By Wezhira Munya

Dear Editor-In Masvingo MDC has lost three by elections namely Bikita East, Masvingo North and Zaka East.

On the 26th October 2019 there will be a council by-election in Chiredzi South ward 12.

Will MDC win this council by election and bring smiles on its supporters faces? Or it will be another heartbreaking and frustrating experience?

Lessons from 3 Masvingo by elections that can help us to strategize for Chiredzi South ward 2 council by election:

1. Early primary elections: In Masvingo North and Zaka East, MDC did not manage to have primary elections because of “some reasons”. However, Zanu PF held primary elections.
2. Strategies to retain our prevous voters and ways to increase number of votes in next election. In Zaka East, MDC in 2018, had Mr James Chafungamoyo Gumbi who polled 3 804 votes and Zanu PF got 8 855 votes.
3. Election reforms push must be escalated.
4. Violence and intimidation : an MDC election agent was assaulted yesterday in Zaka East.
5. MDC should adequtely provide resources. Our Zaka East, Masvingo North and Bikita East candidates were had inadequate resources. We thank individuals locally and internationally who supported these candidates. I am reliable informed that MDC party at national level supported Zaka East candidate. However, more resources are needed.
6. National leaders should actively help in rural areas. In Zaka East only National organiser Chibaya came and addressed 7 rallies alone. I am of the view that vice presidents and other standing committe members should been deployed to help with campaigns in Zaka East. Hn Mugidho women assembly vice chair, National youth organiser, National member Mr Chinoputsa, Senator Marava and others helped. Yesterday, MDC National youth chair was in Zaka East giving support. This is commendable. I am aware that hn vice chairperson Job Sikhala addressed Bikita East second rally and Hn Khumalo national chair addressed Bikita East first rally. Masvingo North no rally was held.
7. ZANU PF uses food, building schools, boreholes, clothes, medicine and other incentives to persuade voters. It is my view that MDC should mobilise resources such as fertilisers, school fees, support the MDC cadres who were beaten and abused by Zanu PF and other incentives. Slogans without handouts have proved to be ineffective.