FORMER National Healing and Reconciliation minister Moses Mzila-Ndlovu has said his Alliance for National Salvation (Ansa) party is only targeting one seat just to have its voice heard in Parliament.
By NQOBANI NDLOVU
Ansa, launched in 2017, is contesting the upcoming July 30 elections, and is fielding five parliamentary candidates. Mzila-Ndlovu, is contesting the Bulilima East parliamentary seat in Matabeleland South.
Mzila-Ndlovu yesterday said Ansa is not worried about bagging all the five seats, but at least one. He hastened to say the opposition party is participating in the upcoming polls under protest, citing an uneven electoral field.
“Our message is that all regions of the country must be empowered sufficiently. Our efforts are directed in saying if we can win at least one seat, and have a platform to air our views in Parliament the better,” Mzila-Ndlovu said.
“It is a question of us wanting representation in local government and in Parliament. The question of the number of seats we win does not matter at all, but what is important is to win those few and have a voice, and be heard, so that we also inspire other regions to also push their regional agenda to have equitable development.”
Ansa is mainly concerned about pushing the cause touching on Matabeleland issues, and particularly campaigns for devolution, as an answer to regional growth and development.
Central government stands accused of stifling development not only in Matabeleland but in other regions.
- 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
“We do not have deep pockets like other parties, but all the same, our campaigns are going on smoothly. We are, however, participating in the elections under protest as we are going to this election that we are convinced will not be free and fair. At the same time, we cannot afford not to participate in the elections as we want our voice to be heard,” Mzila-Ndlovu added.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) contends that it has done everything it can to ensure the elections are free, fair and credible. However, opposition parties are not convinced, and have dragged the electoral body to court demanding reforms.
