FORMER Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson and Youth Advocacy for Reform and Democracy (Yard) leader Temba Mliswa has set his eyes on the Norton parliamentary seat which fell vacant last week following the expulsion of Christopher Mutsvangwa from Zanu PF.
BY OBEY MANAYITI
Mutsvangwa, who is also the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association chairperson, was expelled over a number of charges, among them disrespecting party leadership.
Mliswa, who was also fired from Zanu PF and recalled from representing Hurungwe West, last year unsuccessfully tried to defend his seat in the subsequent by-election, but lost to Zanu PF candidate Keith Guzah.
“In a Yard national management meeting convened on Saturday, the Yard national executive ratified the resolution to allow and support the decision to have its founder and commander-in-chief, Temba Mliswa, as a candidate for the now-vacant Norton constituency seat,” Mliswa told journalists yesterday.
“The by-election will further act as a barometer in understanding Zanu PF’s strength in rural areas, Norton constituency being a peri-urban constituency.”
Mliswa, however, said if Mutsvangwa decides to stand as an independent candidate or any opposition party fields a candidate to face Zanu PF, then he would withdraw his candidacy.
Zanu PF has already called on interested candidates to submit their CVs, amid reports of jostling to succeed Mutsvangwa.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Mliswa also commended under-fire war veterans for their bravery to stand up to President Robert Mugabe following their meeting last week that resolved to withdraw their support for the veteran leader.
“It is high time that the President took time to listen to the growing voices of discontent. The list is becoming longer and longer – #Thisflag, Tajamuka/Sesijikile, war veterans, opposition parties and civic organisations. It’s time to engage in meaningful discourse to plot workable strategies going forward,” Mliswa said, adding those who amassed ill-gotten wealth must face the music.
