Opposition MDC led by advocate Nelson Chamisa has claimed that vote-buying contributed to its poor performance in the recently held by-elections in rural areas.
Speaking after the party lost to the ruling ZANU PF in the Zaka East by-election, MDC secretary for elections, advocate Jacob Mafume said that the ruling party was taking advantage of the starvation of citizens to gain political mileage. He added:
They (rural voters) are under siege economically, the headmen are chief whips of Zanu PF and the villages are being threatened that if they vote for the opposition, the will be denied food handouts.
There is no food in the rural areas, no money, the people rely on government and donor handouts which they are made to believe are coming from Zanu PF.
Mafume added that even ZANU PF officials were also starving, a development that was forcing the party to abuse donor aid and state resources.
He claimed that MDC had discovered manipulation patterns and was intending to embark on voter education aimed at enlightening them of electoral processes and governance issues.
Mafume added that the process will guarantee MDC victory in 2023.
More: News Day
One day the MDC shall wake up from it’s deep sleep and realise that just opposing incompetent ZANU PF is not enough to win elections.That’s why they now have fewer and fewer MPs in parliament.They should seek for international assistance for their voters which include developmental aid and food aid.Look at how they run cities!It’ s a great shame.Still waters doesn’ t make good sailors.The MDC is made up of lazy MPs.Luckily,their young President is quite promising.They should listen to advice.