KAROI – The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) Mashonaland West Province has distanced itself from media reports that the party will back expelled Zanu PF legislator Temba Mliswa in the Hurungwe West by-elections.
NewsDay reported that the MDC-T members in Mashonaland West will rally their support behind Mliswa instead of donating the seat to Zanu PF since the party has a resolution that it will not contest in any election until electoral reforms have been implemented.
According to the paper MDC-T provincial organising-secretary Wilson Makanyaire said although his party had resolved to boycott the polls citing an uneven playing field, the province had agreed to back Mliswa in order to prevent Zanu PF from reclaiming the constituency.
“I call upon all forces of reason to form a provincial political coalition to reject President Mugabe from his backyard. We must support the candidate who has an advantage over others against Zanu PF and in this case it is Mliswa,” Makanyaire said.
“It’s sad that the expulsion of Mliswa has brought new terror as known innocent supporters known to be MDC-T and those who back Mliswa are being victimised,” he said.
However Mashonaland West MDC-T spokesperson Mandava Blessing dismissed Makanyaire’s statement saying it reflects his own position.
“The provincial organising secretary Wilson Makanyaire’s comments in the NewsDay of 23 March 2015 are his personal opinions and not a provincial resolution,” read Mandava’s statement.
“I would like to make it crystal clear that the provincial executive did not at any stage resolve to take Temba Mliswa on board, neither was it discussed even in the corridors of our provincial offices.”
“As much as we welcome all progressive forces who wish to join the big tent, there are due processes to be followed.”
Mliswa, who was recently expelled from Zanu PF and Parliament alongside former Presidential Affairs minister Didymus Mutasa for taking President Robert Mugabe to court, wants to contest the by-election as an independent candidate.
He has also filed a court challenge seeking to block the by-elections.
Besides the MDC-T, war veterans and traditional leaders in Hurungwe West people have also vowed to stand by Mliswa in the by-election.
Discover more from Nehanda Radio
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
