ZANU PF has been forced into a merry-go-round as disaffected prospective candidates, among them top officials, protested the skewed selection of candidates, forcing the party to change the date of the internal polls thrice in less than 48 hours.
REPORT BY DUMISANI SIBANDA/MOSES MATENGA
The primaries that were originally scheduled for today, before they were moved to Wednesday, have been brought forward to tomorrow, it emerged last night.
As Zanu PF battles to stem discontent, lack of funds and logistical nightmares also contributed to the postponement of the primaries. Officials said fights by different factions in Zanu PF to position themselves to succeed President Robert Mugabe (89) saw many candidates being disqualified from standing in the primaries.
Some candidates who had been approved by provinces, were struck off the lists by the politburo allegedly at the instigation of the presidium.
Lists have candidates loyal to Vice-President Joice Mujuru pitted against those linked to Defence minister Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The selection of candidates for the primaries has sparked disputes countrywide as prospective candidates cited irregularities.
Zanu PF spokesperson Rugare Gumbo confirmed yesterday that the date for primary elections had been brought forward to tomorrow.
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“Yes, I can confirm that we are now going to have the primary elections on Tuesday (tomorrow) and that this is because ZEC (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission) would want to have the names by Wednesday. I can’t comment any further,” Gumbo said.
Primaries to choose party candidates for general elections have widened fissures in Zanu PF after the presidium reportedly ordered that some party bigwigs should not be contested.
