The Douglas Mwonzora led MDC-T says it is geared up for the upcoming by-elections following proclamation of the poll date by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mnangagwa, Thursday lifted the ban on elections when he proclaimed March 26 as the by-elections dates.
MDC-T national spokesperson Witness Dube said the party is determined to contest the elections and have since received CVs from aspiring candidates.
“The MDC-T warmly welcomes the Statutory Instrument 2 of 22 which comes as Proclamation 1 of 22 by State President Emmerson Mnangagwa which states the dates of the Nomination, Court sitting date and, more importantly announcement of 26 March 2022 as the date of the much anticipated by elections.
“As a party we are resolute to contest elections as the way to democratically control State power. It has been a year since the Extra Ordinary Congress of 27 December 2020 and the party has been working hard to rejuvenate the grassroots.
“In the final quarter of 2021, we openly called for CVs from qualifying carders to fill in the vacancies that arose from recalls and deaths. The process was overwhelmingly subscribed to and the quality of candidates is of the highest order,” said Dube
He said the party was finalizing selection of candidates to stand for election however, he insisted that the electoral playing field is uneven.
“Our internal selection processes are being finalized and as a party we are extremely happy with the openness of the process and the eagerness of our candidates to unselfishly serve the masses of Zimbabwe. However, we still insist that electoral playing field uneven and favours the ruling party.
“We will appeal to the authorities for them to fully implement electoral reforms that include full independence of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, de-militarization of the process, full access for all parties to the State media and rapid licensing of independent media houses, among many other reforms urgently required.
Dube implored the authorities to make sure the by elections will adhere to strict COVID 19 guidelines to prevent the voting process being a super spreader.
