Garikai Fadzi
President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday warned Zanu PF supporters against voting for former members contesting the election as Independent candidates.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission says 247 independent candidates are contesting in 210 National assembly seats.
The country goes to the polls on July 30th.
Early this week, the ruling party expelled 41 members who ignored the party’s call not to stand as independent candidates.
These include former Higher Education, Science and Technology Development Deputy Minister Godfrey Gandawa who is an independent candidate for the Magunje constituency.
While drumming supporting for ZANU PF in his home province, Midlands, President Mnangagwa said those contesting, as independent candidates no longer represent the ruling party’s interests.
“On 30 July, we will be voting for President, Member of Parliament and Councillor. So do not be fooled by those identifying themselves as Zanu PF yet they are not part of us. Do not be fooled.
“Zanu PF candidates support Zanu PF. No one says they are contesting as an independent candidate and still belong to Zanu PF; there are those saying that, I say no.
“You are Zanu PF and you support and vote for your Zanu PF candidate Victor Matemadanda. He is the one you will vote for,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said massive attendance of the campaign rally is testimony that Midlands province is a Zanu PF stronghold.
“We know Gokwe is a Zanu PF stronghold, you are our support. We are assured of your vote as Midlands province. Come July 30th, let us see your support by voting for Zanu PF,”he said.
The President also said his government will continue supporting cotton farmers by giving them seed and is in the process of ensuring that the cotton is beneficiated. He says this can only be done by mechanising and modernising the country’s agriculture.
“Gokwe produces 50% of the country’s cotton and that makes you very special as you play a crucial role in the development of the economy.”
