ZAPU condemns “sham” election
Grace Moyo
Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) has vehemently and categorically dismissed the 23 August election process and result as a fraud.
Exclusively speaking to Community Podium, ZAPU Spokesperson Mso Ndlovu said the election was an embarrassment to Zimbabwe. He cited the delimitation process, ZEC’s refusal to release the voters roll, the role of a shadowy ruling party aligned organisation and disenfranchisement of opposition voters as the main contributors to the alleged menu of electoral manipulation.
“The charade began with the delimitation process through the creation of new boundaries. It continued with the circus around the voters roll right through to the courts.
When we thought we had seen enough, we watched in disgust as ZEC was replaced by a vigilante group called Forever Associates of Zimbabwe (FAZ) in running the election on polling day. Not only did they run elections, they used scorched earth methods to coerce and intimidate people into voting ZANU PF.
But the biggest charade of all was the deliberate disenfranchisement of voters in opposition strongholds. Above is a proper definition of a smash and grab by a bunch of unelectable bandits,” said Ndlovu.
Despite the “sham” election Ndlovu thanked all who voted ZAPU as he revelled in the party’s council victory in Ward 17 of Matobo-Mangwe Constituency where 30 year old Mpendulo Ncube emerged victorious.
“We are unequivocal that this election was a fraud and a sham but we are very grateful to all Zimbabweans who voted for ZAPU and those in ward 17 Matobo. Our victory there was an affirmation of good over evil as many had written an epitaph on our party. This win serves as a statement of intent and an announcement that the raging bull is back,” he said.
He added: “ZAPU totally rejects this embarrassment disguised as an election. Our executive will be meeting soon to map the way forward.”
Quizzed on what can be done to foster democracy in Zimbabwe, Ndlovu said Zimbabweans must unite and be prepared to make sacrifices.
“Firstly, Zimbabweans must unite and speak with one voice. Secondly we should never expect ZANU PF to behave any differently in their incestuous relationship with ZEC. They will not reform themselves out of power. Lastly, we should be prepared to leave our comfort zones and make sacrifices if we stand a chance against the mafia in government robes,” said Ndlovu.
ZAPU was not able to field a presidential candidate due to the restrictive $20 000 presidential nomination fee. The party urged its members not to vote for presidential candidates who were involved in the Gukurahundi atrocites that saw over 20 000 people mainly in Matabeleland killed by the Korean trained 5th Brigade.
“We implored our members and supporters to choose among the 11 anyone who didn’t participate in Gukurahundi, Gold Mafia and all the ills the country is going through and they heeded our call.”
