Zanu PF picks Tsikira for Bulawayo Ward 1 by-election

**Gibson Mhaka [email protected] **

ZANU-PF has selected Mathias Tsikira of the City Centre District as its candidate for the Bulawayo Ward 1 council by-election set for October 3.

Cde Tsikira emerged victorious in the party’s primary elections held to select a candidate to represent Zanu-PF in the by-election.

He beat three other contenders — Gift Muhomba of Greens District, Jonasi Chiro of Nehanda District and Raymond Makonese.

The Ward 1 council seat became vacant following the removal from office of Councillor Josiah Mutangi in July.

Mutangi was removed after an independent tribunal found him guilty of misconduct.

His removal followed his conviction for defrauding street vendors by falsely promising them municipal vending bays in the city centre.

Cde Tsikira’s victory positions him to lead Zanu PF’s campaign in the October 3 by-election as the ruling party seeks to consolidate its presence in Bulawayo City Council.

The primary election also provides Zanu-PF with an opportunity to strengthen its grassroots structures and build on its recent electoral performance in the city.

The party has been intensifying its mobilisation efforts in Bulawayo as it seeks to translate its support on the ground into increased representation in council.

Cde Tsikira will now face candidates from other political parties and independent contenders in the Ward 1 by-election.

The contest is expected to attract considerable interest as political parties seek to gauge their support in one of Bulawayo’s urban wards ahead of future elections.

Speaking after the election, Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial spokesperson Cde Archie Chiponda said the party was confident in its candidate.

“On behalf of Zanu-PF Bulawayo Province, we would like to announce our candidate for the Ward 1 councillor by-election, Comrade Mathias Tsikira, showing once again that we are a party full of youth and vibrancy and giving a new product offering to lthe people.

“We hope that all comrades will stand behind Comrade Tsikira as he makes his way to the council chambers. We have full faith in the young man.”