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Fungai Lupande Mashonaland Central Bureau
Zanu-PF Politburo member Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri (Retired) has warned the electorate to be wary of aspiring candidates who conveniently resort to vote-buying, saying such candidates are inherently corrupt and will likely continue with their corrupt activities once voted into office.

Speaking at a Zanu-PF Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting held at Bindura Country Club on Monday, Air Chief Marshal Shiri (Rtd) – who is also the Minister of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement – urged the electorate to vote wisely.

He also advised losing candidates of the ruling party’s primary elections scheduled for Sunday to accept defeat and support the winning candidates.
“It is now time for primary elections,” said Air Chief Marshal Shiri (Rtd).

“We say no to corrupt activities like vote buying because if an aspiring candidate can use corrupt means to get into office, what will stop him from continuing with corrupt activities once in office.
“If they offer you money, accept it, but use your heart to vote.

“To aspiring candidates, let’s not forget that at the top of the list is our Presidential candidate President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“When campaigning, take the opportunity to educate people about our Presidential candidate.
“The losing candidates should redirect their followers to the winner. Don’t be self-centred and think of joining the opposition or becoming an independent candidate.

“You can still win the next elections. We will keep names of defectors for future reference; we will not consider you next time.
“Go to the people and talk about yourself and what you can offer them.

“We don’t want smear campaigning, you can be disqualified for not following our campaign regulations.”
Mashonaland Central provincial chairperson Cde Kazembe Kazembe said as part of the new campaign regulations for the internal polls, candidates were now expected to sell their messages jointly to the electorate, while de-campaigning each other was strictly prohibited.

He reiterated the party’s line that losing candidates were duty-bound to support the winning candidates for the harmonised elections.

“Those who join the opposition, refuse to support the winners or stand as independent candidates will kiss Zanu-PF goodbye,” said Cde Kazembe.

“Some aspiring candidates have started mobilising people and district chairpersons are moving around with candidates, you can be disqualified for that.

“Cell verification is going on well although there are challenges here and there.
“Stop rumours, cell verification is being spearheaded by a team from our headquarters in Harare.
“Our provincial office will come up with a programme on how to carry out the campaign.

“The information will be given to coordinators and party leaders, who will in turn communicate to the candidates.”
Notable candidates for senatorial positions in Mashonaland Central Province are Air Chief Marshal Shiri (Rtd), Politburo member Cde Monica Mavhunga, provincial war veterans chairman Cde Sam Parirenyatwa, Sen Damion Mumvuri and Sen Alice Chimbudzi.