Dubeko-Sibanda: I have always been ready for by-elections
Former Binga North legislator Prince Dubeko Sibanda says he has always been ready for the by-elections since the day he was recalled from Parliament.
Dubeko-Sibanda who contested the 2018 general elections under the MDC Alliance was recalled by MDC-T following the nullification of Nelson Chamisa’s presidency by the court.
In an interview of whether he is ready to contest the by-elections, the former legislator said everything is in order.
He said he was ready for the by-elections the second day after his recall.
‘’Yes, they have been proclaimed. I was recalled on the 1st of October 2020. I was ready for the by-elections from the 2nd October 2020,’’ he said.
Asked on whether the COVID-19 regulations that limit gatherings will not affect his campaigns, Dubeko-Sibanda said, there is nothing in the regulations that can stop campaigns.
He added that only state institutions that are being abused by the ruling party, might be the problem.
‘’There is really nothing about the regulations that ordinarily should affect campaigning save for the fact that the state institutions are being used against political opponents of the ruling party.
‘’Why should it be a violation of the regulations when we campaign when it is not when Zanu PF does the same?
‘’Or why should it be when bars and clubs are open? I don’t see the regulations being a hindrance to our campaigns,’’ he said.
Before his recall from the National Assembly, Dubeko-Sibanda was the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Media, Information, and Broadcasting Services.
He was also a heavy critic of the Cybersecurity and Data Protection Bill, which is now the Data Protection Act.
Dubeko-Sibanda was of the view that the Bill was supposed to be unbundled and also that it was too complicated to implement. It remains to be seen if he will retain his seat, as he was among the best performing legislators in the National Assembly.
Dubeko-Sibanda: I have always been ready for by-elections
