Story by Fungai Jachi
Leader of the United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) Elisabeth Valerio, who is the sole female presidential candidate in the August 23 General Election, is confident of victory, riding on her people-centred policies.
The only female candidate vying for the most powerful office in the country, Elisabeth Valerio, says her people-driven manifesto resonates with the citizenry.
“All that we are offering to the electorate is what they want. We went to them and asked how they wanted us to change things and their responses made us realise that we have to offer what makes sense to the people. I am promising the electorate that if they vote me into office there are a number of policies that I will introduce to ensure that every Zimbabwean benefits from the resources we have in the country,” she said.
There are, however, concerns that Valerio might find it difficult to form a government without a majority in parliament.
“It will be difficult, but I will make it work because there is a need to work together to ensure that Zimbabwe moves forward and becomes a great nation,” she added.
Asked if she believes the electorate is ready for a female President, Valerio said Zimbabweans are ready for change.
“They most definitely are ready for a female leader and I am confident I will win this election because I am a woman and 51 per cent of the population are women. Men and women I have spoken to told me that they have given men a chance before and now they want to give a woman a chance,” she reiterated.
UZA has 61 candidates vying for parliamentary and local authority seats in next month’s general elections.
