…UN, SADC have role to play in ensuring Zimbabwean vote security
Emmanuel Chitsika
The March 26 by-election victories in both the House of Assembly and local government polls are a bold statement by the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) according to party leader Nelson Chamisa.
He said the victories are a clear sign that the citizens are headed for change if the results of the by-elections are anything to go by.
“I am happy to be here today after our last meeting in Rujeko when we were asking for your votes which you gave us and we managed as a party to thrash our erstwhile opponents here in Masvingo urban. They came with resources thinking you would be easily hoodwinked into their usual traps, but you managed to issue a clear statement to them that you are real citizens.
“I am just here to say thank you. The manner in which you fared in the by-elections is just an introduction for we do not have any resources to entice the electorate but we treasure your support. My brother (Emmerson Mnangagwa) is fretting because of me and I asked him why he bowed down to my pressure and I won’t reverse until he asks to be excused,” said Chamisa.
He also said the party is optimistic to come out victors with around 65 percent while at the same time he acknowledged the need to work hard towards the goal.
“In 2023, CCC is going to romp to victory with a bigger margin of even up to 65 percent. Masvingo province do you allow that? However, there is need for hard work to achieve that goal. 2023 is the year of the people’s power.
“This time what happened in Kenya, Malawi and Zambia we are going to double that and defeat Zanu PF from one goal post to the other,” he added.
Chamisa also said the United Nations (UN) AND Southern African Development Community have key roles to play in ensuring the security of vote in Zimbabwe come 2023.
Addressing scores of party supporters at Mucheke stadium to celebrate a victorious March 26 by-election, Chamisa said the two bodies have a role to ensure there is security of the vote by the people.
“Concerning Zimbabwean elections, we expect that when we go for the polls, the UN has a role to play and so is SADC because I know the character of my elder brother (Emmerson Mnangagwa) that there is no other tricky he would employ to win other than rigging.
“Asi ikozvinozvi ukaizama mukoma tonoigarira mumusha tione kuti wakamira sei nekuti poshi haarwirwi as piri bodo (This time around if you repeat your rigging antics, we will have to sit down as a family and scrutinize your behaviour. Once beaten, twice shy. We are not going to allow you the opportunity to rig once more,” said Chamisa.
CCC won the four by-elections in Masvingo Urban with Aleck Tabe (ward 4), Rocky Kamuzonda (ward 3), Daniel Mberikunashe (ward 5) and Richard Musekiwa (ward 7) emerging victors.
