Political Reporter
The ruling ZANU PF Party has lined up a series of Star Rallies in all the country’s ten provinces ahead of the upcoming 23 August elections.
The rallies, which will be addressed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and attended by other senior party officials, are aimed at drumming up support for ZANU PF and its candidates.
The ZANU PF mobilization programme seen by this publication revealed that the Party will continue holding Star Rallies in different provinces of the country until 19 August 2023.
On 01 July 2023, the ruling Party’s Presidential candidate, President Mnangagwa, will address a rally in Bulilima, Matabeleland South Province.
On July 03, Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga will also address a rally in Mbare, Harare Province. Whilst on 04 July, the Party’s Second Vice President, Cde Kembo Mohadi, will also address another rally in Chegutu, Mashonaland West Province.
According to the statement from ZANU PF, President Mnangagwa will address rallies in Harare on 06 July, Mashonaland West (Karoi) on 08 July and Masvingo on 15 July 2023.
ZANU PF said that all Saturdays with effect from 01 July 2023 to 19 August 2023, have been reserved for President Mnangagwa to address Star Rallies across the country. Whilst all Sundays from 01 July 2023 until the 23 August election were reserved for the Party’s Presidium to attend to Church gatherings of their choice as part of voter mobilisation.
The statement further stated that the Party’s Vice Presidents and National Chairperson, Cde Oppah Muchinguri, will address two rallies each per week starting on 02 July 2023.
In recent months, ZANU PF has been making significant gains in the polls. A recent survey by the Afrobarometer showed that ZANU PF has a 35% lead over the main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). The survey also showed that ZANU PF is more popular among rural voters.
Meanwhile, the Star Rallies are expected to be attended by thousands of ZANU PF supporters, and they are seen as a major boost for the Party's election campaign. They will also give the Party a chance to showcase its strength and unity, and they will also help to energise its supporters.
