Staff Reporter
ZANU PF has expressed strong confidence in retaining the Gutu East parliamentary seat in the forthcoming June 14 by-election, with the Party’s Masvingo Provincial Political Commissar, Cde Brian Munyoro, declaring that the ruling Party's grassroots structures and polling-based campaign strategy would ensure a landslide victory.
The by-election follows the expulsion of former MP Benjamin Ganyiwa from the Party, triggering a fresh contest.
ZANU PF has since nominated former Gutu Ward 14 Councillor, Zvarevashe Masvingise as its candidate.Masvingise secured the ticket after winning the Party's primary elections held on April 16.
Cde Munyoro emphasized that ZANU PF’s campaign is informed by rigorous data collection and direct engagement with the electorate.
“Our campaign in Gutu East is not based on assumptions but on concrete polling data that shows overwhelming support for ZANU PF’s policies and leadership. We have engaged the electorate directly, listening to their concerns and reaffirming our commitment to development and empowerment. Victory is certain because the people of Gutu East stand with their Party,” he said.
The Party has adopted a polling-based campaign model, which allows it to tailor messages to the community’s specific needs and sentiments.
Cde Munyoro said this approach has boosted voter confidence and deepened the party’s connection with the grassroots.
All senior party leaders have been deployed to the constituency, conducting door-to-door campaigns, community meetings, and mobilization drives.
The by-election is widely seen as a litmus test of ZANU PF’s current popularity in rural Zimbabwe and the party's ability to maintain dominance in traditional strongholds.
Masvingise, who enjoys significant local support, is facing off against Gift Gonese, an independent candidate, and Zivanai Nzvenga of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA).
However, ZANU PF is projecting a landslide victory, buoyed by what it describes as the electorate’s appreciation of Government programs such as agricultural input schemes and road rehabilitation projects.
“We are on the ground working so that we retain the seat. The people of Gutu East know that development comes through ZANU PF,” Masvingise said in an earlier interview.
With political temperatures rising in Masvingo Province, the June 14 by-election will not only decide Gutu East’s next representative in Parliament, but also serve as a barometer of ZANU PF’s enduring influence ahead of future national polls.
