Kudakwashe Bhasikiti
TellZim Reporter
Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF) candidate in the Mwenezi East parliamentary by-election, Kudakwashe Bhasikiti has officially pulled out from the race citing dissatisfaction with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)’s failure to resolve his complaints on alleged intimidation of his supporters and vote-buying by the ruling Zanu PF party.
In a letter to ZEC chairperson dated 23 March, 2017, Bhasikiti lashes out against the electoral body for what he calls its failure to properly manage the playing field.
“We would like to formally notify you of our withdrawal from the Mwenezi East by-Elections. This has been necessitated by your failure to regulate the elections in terms of the constitution and law of Zimbabwe thus rendering the elections a nullity before they even occur,” reads part of the letter.
The letter goes on to accuse ZEC of ignoring protestations that Zanu PF and its candidate Joosbi Omar were “parcelling free food and goodies as a vote buying gimmick contrary to the laws of the country which clearly outlaw vote buying.”
“Our supporters are being intimidated and receiving death threats from Zanu (PF) supporters but no action has been taken by your office of the ZRP (sic) despite the fact that several reports have been made to both offices.”
The letter also slams ZEC for failing to reign in Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs, Shuvai Mahofa for allegedly threatening chiefs “against voting for any other party but Zanu PF.”
Meanwhile, the Mwenezi East by-election voters’ role inspection has started and will end on March 27.politics,topnews
