Ex – Hurungwe West legislator Temba Mliswa has revealed that he has retired from the mainstream politics citing the bumpy electoral environment as the main cause of his retirement.
Mliswa lost the recently held by-elections to Keith Guzah by a margin of 1,722 votes. Guzah garnered 5961 votes making him victorious and subsequently the Hurungwe West legislator.
This withdrawal announcement surfaced at a post-election press briefing held in the capital today, five days after the by-elections.
“I again reiterate my utmost appreciation to the people of Hurungwe west, who peacefully and bravely expressed their choice, they are victors.
“I will take this opportunity to explore the many options that lie ahead as an active citizen in different spheres for a better Zimbabwe, I have decided not to ever stand for an member of parliament and will pursue other interests,” Mliwsa told reporters.
He also said, “There is no reason to be a legislator when things on the ground contradict the roles of a legislator.” Adding that he has a mandate to make sure the electoral field is made even
Mlisa who claimed that the elections were marred by irregularities said if the playing field is not leveled the anomalies will be replicated in 2018.
“What prevailed in Hurungwe west will prevail in the 2018 elections and we have to work towards smoothing the playing field,” he said.
He also hinted that he will work towards mobilising young people to partake in the electoral processes.
“Young people are not partaking in the elections yet they constitute the majority of the population hence there is need to mobilise them to vote,” he said.
Mliswa who was beaten in the by-elections, says a grand coalition is the only way to overthrow Zanu PF’s elongated rule.
“A grand coalition which will integrate the youths is the only way to defeat Zanu PF,” he said.
