By Talent Gondo
The MDC T today (Friday) hosted a capacity building workshop for aspiring parliamentary candidates at the party headquarters, Morgan Tsvangirai House in Harare, amid calls on those gunning for office to unite and become servant leaders.
Presidential spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka said the aspiring candidates were addressed by party President Nelson Chamisa, where he implored them to unite and serve the people first ahead of their personal interests.
“At least 468 aspiring parliamentary candidates attended today’s capacity building workshop where they were addressed by President Chamisa.
“Our leader preached the gospel of unity and togetherness, stressing that the forthcoming election had nothing to do with individual interests but with the interests of the people of Zimbabwe,” said Tamborinyoka.
He said President Chamisa, who was accompanied by members of the party’s leadership, stressed the importance of respecting the women’s and youths’ quotas during candidate selection processes in line with the party’s resolutions and the party’s ideology of social democracy.
“President Chamisa said the party will also cater for people living with disabilities in its candidate selection process, saying the internal electoral process should be inclusive of everyone with the will to serve,” said Tamborinyoka.
He said the party will carefully look into the aptitude of its councilors, saying those engaged in corruption, vote buying, hate language and other misdemeanours will be disqualified.
“The people’s president took time to walk the candidates through the five pillars of the party’s policy programme when it wins the next election.
He gave minute details of the party’s policy programme in addressing the governance culture, the economy, social services, infrastructure rehabilitation and international relations,” said Tamborinyoka.
President Chamisa, according to the statement dismissed the mantra of the current government, saying under his leadership, Zimbabwe will be best for business.
“The MDC T President said the party was concerned about the deteriorating standard of life to the majority of Zimbabweans in the rural areas.
“He took time to spell out to the candidates his comprehensive programme for the development and urbanization of rural areas (DURA)”.
Tamborinyoka revealed that 3 418 candidates had expressed interest in representing the party at parliamentary and local government level, adding that this was reflective of the popularity of the party.
“The people are excited and the number of interested candidates points to the massive excitement the party has ignited across the country,” said Tamborinyoka.
Other leaders who addressed the workshop include national chairperson Hon. Morgen Komichi, Secretary-General Mr. Douglas Mwonzora, deputy secretary general Hon. Paurina Mpariwa, secretary for elections Hon. Murisi Zwizwai, organizing secretary Hon. Amos Chibaya, national women’s assembly chairperson Hon. Lynnette Karenyi, youth assembly chairperson Happymore Chidziva and deputy treasurer-general Mr. Charlton Hwende.