Thokozani Khupe, leader of a faction of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T), says Zimbabweans should turn out in large numbers in the forthcoming council and parliamentary by-elections and vote for Nelson Chamisa’s Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
Addressing journalists in Bulawayo today, Khupe said his party has decided to back CCC candidates to ensure that they beat the ruling party in the by-elections.
“Following our previous announcement that we are going to be working with like-minded opposition political parties because we are stronger together and that we were going to give a signal on who our members to vote for in the upcoming by-elections, I’m, therefore today announcing today that we are calling on our members, all MDC-T members and supporters to go and vote on the 26th of March for Citizens Coalition for Change.
“Go and vote for Citizens Coaltion for Change candidates across the country. By voting on the 26th of March, we are building a strong foundation for a resounding victory in 2023. I’m also calling all our members, all our supporters and citizens at large to rally behind president Nelson Chamisa as we prepare for the 2023 as this election is going to be a defining moment in Zimbabwe.”
Khupe said in 2023 the opposition should be in power and “this can only happen if we unite and set the pace by voting in our thousands on the 26th of March for Citizens Coalition for Change candidates across the country.”
She said Zimbabweans should mobilize all voters and ensure that they vote in the weekend elections.
“I’m calling all our members, supporters and citizens at large to go to every house, to go to every street, to go to every village mobilizing citizens so that they get out to vote in their numbers on the 26th of March for Citizens Coalition for Change.”
Some CCC supporters have welcomed Khupe while others say she should be blocked from working with the party.
Zimbabwe will hold by-elections on Saturday to fill 130 council and parliamentary seats which were left vacant following the recall of some councillors and lawmakers by the opposition MDC-T led by Douglas Mwonzora and Khupe. Some of the councillors and Members of Parliament died of natural causes.