By Donald Nyarota.
MUTARE, Zimbabwe. (News Of The South) – Zanu (PF) manages to wrestle away Chikanga-Dangamvura seat from MDC, as local maverick businessman cum politician romps to a landslide victory in an election marred by low voter turnout.
At least 8833 voters successfully managed to cast their votes while over 23 000 voters cast their ballots in the 2013 elections, representing over 40% decline in voter turnout.
To some observers this was a case of MDC supporters heeding to the calls of party leader Morgan Tsvangirai who urged supporters to boycott by election before electoral reforms were implemented.
These reforms are part of concession made by political parties during the Government of National Unity, leading up to the 2013 Constitution which gave effect to these reforms.
However despite this low turnout, Cde Isau Mupfumi “Whindi” (A local colloquial referring to a Tout) as he is known to his affectionate supporters promised to champion service delivery for all constituents. He said people from his constituency deserve good service delivery and better living conditions.
In an exclusive interview after announcement of results by Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), Cde Mupfumi said he was happy that Zanu (PF) has managed to win the back the urban seat which has been in the hands of the opposition for over 15 years.
Cde Mupfumi said his victory was not of his own making but paid tribute to party cadres who stood by him throughout the campaigning period.
“I am happy by the spirit of unity which was exhibited by party cadres during the run up to election. I owe my victory to the party which supported me through and through,” said Cde Mupfumi.
He promised that Zanu (PF) as a ruling party will bring developmental project that will improve the lives of ordinary people in his constituency.
“Dangamvura-Chikanga has been in the hands of the enemy for the past 15 years and there has been no meaningful development.
“The road network is bad and residents are facing acute shortage of water. There is no electricity. We will bring development through coordination with Ministry of Transport to do the roads. Ministry of Water will also help us to bring clean water to people,” said Cde Mupfumi.
He pledged to ensure that the water tank which was donated for people who stay near World Bank will be in operation soon.
Cde Mupfumi said as a local legislator he will ensure that the operations of the city council are supervised properly so that workers will timeously receive their salaries.
“We know that our economy is not performing well but there should be means to entice ratepayers to pay something so that the operations of the council will continue without hinderance.If residents pay their rates workers will also get their renumertation,”said Cde Mupfumi.
Turning to government economic blue print Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (ZimAsset), Cde Mupfumi said as a legislator he has a mammoth task to educate the local residents as the previous MDC-T legislator Anold Tsunga did nothing to sell the blue print to the constituency.
“ZimAsset is little known in Chikanga-Dangamvura because the previous opposition legislator has not done anything to publicise the blue print. We have been given the mandate by people of my constituency I will take charge in ensuring that ZimAsset is sold so that they understand it. I will try to implemement all the outstanding projects,” said Cde Mupfumi.
Cde Mupfumi romped to victory after he polled 6 376 votes against his seven rivals. Mupfumi beat Chengetai Kadzere (Independent) who polled a paltry 192 votes, Fugamai Mawire (Mavambo Kusile Dawn) who amassed 254 votes.
Other candidates are Kuzima Maundike (Independent) who polled 707 votes while Gamuchirai Piwai of Freedom Front polled 125. Little known Maxwell Teedzai of Transform Zimbabwe managed to salvage 32 votes.
Ruramai Musiiwa of National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) polled 1 003 while James Mundenda (Independent) managed to poll 144 votes.
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