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Pressure mounts on PUP Leader Chamuka to bring back IPD

Local News
Herbert Chamuka, People's Unity Party (PUP) leader

Supporters and party members of the Herbert Chamuka led opposition People's Unity Party (PUP) are saying their party leader should bring back Ideas Party of Democracy (IPD) which was disbanded following disagreements over leadership and positional issues, Chamuka has revealed.

Chamuka formed PUP following the disbandment of IPD.

Talking to this publication, the South African based Zimbawean politician said his supporters and PUP party members are calling for the re-establishment of IPD because the party had taken a lot of charity work to communities in different parts of the country during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Plans to bring back IPD are currently underway because the pressure is now too much.

"PUP party members have debated the issue at several occasions and they are always coming up with one answer, to bring back IPD," he said.

In a interview, some of the party members who are pushing for the rejuvenation of IPD said the party was disbanded in the midst of working on introducing projects, such as poultry, brick moulding and cobra making, that would help people become self-reliant financially after the lockdown.

"A lot got help from the IPD programs during the Covid-19 pandemic and they are still yearning for the party to come back with its projects and fulfill its promises. I also wish the same.

"Even when you look at the IPD’s manifesto, it spelled out the party's policies on the economy, infrastructure, education, job creation, foreign and domestic policies. We really need that to be fulfilled as well," said one of the supporters.

"Things were not okay with the lockdown and we couldn't hustle, meaning to say there was no source of income. We heard of the RTGS $200 promised by the government to assist us but there was nothing. IPD promised us, took our names, and fulfilled the promise."

Another party member said the party had meaningful policies aimed at fostering democracy in the country.

“In IPD, they respected democracy and other people’s choices when it comes to political parties.

"IPD was a party that supported peace and it's desire was to see free and fair elections and economic development going forward.

'We need it back!," another party member said.

Meanwhile, in line with the forthcoming harmonised elections expected later this year, Chamuka is saying all political players in Zimbabwe must ensure that elections are free from politically motivated violence and are credible and fair.

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