Opposition MDC is set to contest the upcoming Mutoko North by-election, a move that confirms the party’s departure from its earlier stance to push for electoral reforms before participation in any by-elections.

In an interview with NewZimbabwe.com, party spokesperson, Jacob Mafume said the party will soon meet to chose a candidate for the seat that fell vacant following the election of Mabel Chinomona to senate President.

“Yes we are going to meet soon as a party and we will choose our candidate to contest in the Mutoko North constituency by-election,” said Mafume.

He added that their participation will also be an opportunity to test the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission commitment to improve its administration of elections on the back of a shambolic management of the July 30 polls.

“But as we agree to participate, we look forward that the electoral body, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) will be transparent and improve on how they handle elections,” Mafume said.

“Surely we need to see a big difference between general elections and by-elections and this will be a test for ZEC to see if they are going to improve on what several local and international observers Election Reports noted in the just ended election.

“We also expect the situation to be conducive for opposition to campaign and participate in areas known to be no go areas for the opposition by ruling party supporters, and state sponsored violence.”