THERE was a high voter turnout yesterday for the Zanu-PF Bulawayo District Coordinating Committee (DCC) elections, with results expected to be announced today.

The elections in Bulawayo were held in line with Zanu-PF’s drive to reinvigorate the party. Zanu-PF national political commissar Cde Victor Matemadanda, who was spearheading the party’s restructuring process, said the elections went smoothly and was astounded by the turnout.

“Initially I was not expecting such a large turnout. But the numbers are clear; they are very encouraging and project a correct signal to the leadership of whom the people want to lead them. A person and people elected by the people,” said Matemadanda.

He said of great note about the turnout was the presence of the Muslim community and the return of some former members, who had joined other political fronts such as the National Patriotic Front (NPF).

“There was a huge turnout from the Muslim community, this just goes to show that we are taking steps in the right direction. Also the numbers of youths were encouraging, they came and participated and this shows that they are interested in the affairs of the country. Another thing of note was the presence of former members who had left the party to join the NPF. They wanted to contest but according to our party’s constitution they could not because there are certain procedures that need to be followed. They need to reapply and serve for a certain term for them to be considered,” said Matemadanda.

He said during the process, which was held across Bulawayo there were no incidents of violence or rowdiness.

“We are grateful to all who participated and also displaying signs of maturity, as there were no incidents. This is what we forecasted for Bulawayo. The people know what they want and they were co-ordinated. Even the contestants have no bad blood, there were scenes of them sharing lighter moments and even wishing each other well. The only incidents that we experienced were of some individuals who were trying to influence voters but they were immediately dealt with,” said Matemadanda.

Matemadanda said he was also pleased that there was no interference from se­nior party mem­bers such as those in the Cen­tral Com­mit­tee, Na­tional Con­sul­ta­tive Assem­bly and Polit­buro.

“Vet­ting of prospec­tive can­di­dates was done smoothly. The party wants to set proper struc­tures in Bu­l­awayo. The New Dis­pen­sa­tion will not tol­er­ate acts of fac­tion­al­ism in its struc­tures,” he said.

The rein­tro­duc­tion of DCCs, which were banned in 2012, is the first step in the re­struc­tur­ing of the party as it pre­pares for the 2023 har­monised elec­tions.