Claim: MDC-T has reversed the decision to boycott by-elections
Verdict: Incorrect
Source: NewZimbabwe.com
According to the online news publication, the Douglas Monzwora-led Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) has retreated from its earlier decision to boycott by-elections.
Their initial decision was inspired by a humiliating loss they suffered in the by-elections which were held in March this year.
However, on 31 October 2022, NewZimbabwe.com published a story where they quoted the party’s National Chairperson, Morgan Komichi saying his party will field candidates in the coming by-elections to be held in December, a statement which the MDC-T has dismissed.
A few days ago, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) announced that the nomination court will receive nomination papers for Victoria Falls, Binga and Gweru by-elections on the third of November, while polling will be held on 3 December this year.
In a statement released yesterday, the MDC-T secretary for information and publicity refuted the statement that his party will field candidates in these vacant wards saying the initial decision to not participate in the plebiscite still remains.
“Reports by an online newspaper (NewZimbabwe.com) of the 31st October 2022 suggesting that we will be participating in the upcoming by-elections is not the correct party position, but simply statements attributable to our National Chairperson Morgen Komichi,” reads part of the statement.
In Victoria Falls, by-elections will be held in Ward 8, whilst in Binga, they will be conducted in Wards 6, 8, 10, 15, 20 and 23.
In Gweru, they are set for Wards 4, 5 and 18.
Conclusion: MDCT-T has not rescinded its decision not to participate in the by-elections.
