THE Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has accused the ruling Zanu PF party of vote-buying ahead of the Nkulumane by-election scheduled for Saturday.
Speaking to Southern Eye, EFF candidate Elson Moyo said his chances of winning were high, citing strong community support and his involvement in developmental projects in the constituency.
“The residents are happy about the development that I have brought to Nkulumane and I have been endorsed by a lot of people here,” he said.
Moyo claimed that Zanu PF has gone into panic mode after realising it is losing ground, pointing to the sudden influx of resources into the constituency during the final days the campaign.
“What has surprised us is that in the last week, we are witnessing the ruling party bringing in resources that should have benefited residents long before this campaign period,” he said.
Moyo said he was involved in laying out pipes in the constituency, which he said resulted in the employment of several youths.
He alleged that Zanu PF was drilling boreholes and distributing food hampers in an attempt to sway voters.
“They are drilling boreholes and giving out food hampers, but we are telling residents to take whatever is offered — it is part of their national cake,” he said. “However, people cannot always be spoon-fed. We need self-reliant citizens and sustainable jobs that make people productive.”
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The politician encouraged residents to vote for their rights, adding that if voted into power, he would fight for the upliftment of vulnerable groups, fight crime and advocate for policies that led to the re-industrialisation of Bulawayo.
Meanwhile, CCC chief whip Charles Moyo said they were on the ground in support of their candidate, Mothusi Ndlovu.
“We are on the ground together with one of our youth parliamentary Proportional Representatives. This is in solidarity with our candidate, that it is time for him to come and join us in Parliament,” he said.
The election is pitting candidates such as widow to the late MP Desire Moyo Esther Auxilia Zitha (independent), Ethel Sibanda (MDC-T), Nompilo Ncube Malaba (Zimbabwe African National Congress — ZANC) and Moyo (EFF).
Other candidates are Rodney Donovan Jele (Independent), Mbuso Fuzwayo (Independent), Freedom Murechu (Zanu PF), Mothusi “Madlela” Ndlovu (Citizens Coalition for Change) and Viyo Vivian Siziba (Zapu).
