Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe on Monday backtracked over the controversial banning of some ruling-party candidates in primary elections set for January 15.
Demonstrators from the ruling Zanu-PF party held an unprecedented second demonstration outside their party headquarters, protesting against the imposition of candidates.
Primary elections are being held within Zimbabwe’s political parties ahead of parliamentary polls set for some time in March this year.
The Zanu-PF political commissar announced last week that several seats have been reserved for women and aspiring male candidates will not be allowed to stand. Among those affected is Information Minister Jonathan Moyo, who is appealing against his banning.
”We are here to address your concerns,” Mugabe told Zanu-PF protesters on Monday.
”Zanu-PF is a democratic party where everyone’s wishes are respected. It is now up to you to go and select candidates of your choice who are capable of leading you because the party is no longer going to impose candidates on you.”
Still, the move by Zimbabwe’s 81-year-old leader may not help a number of would-be candidates.
”Those members of the party who have disciplinary cases against them are not eligible for elections.
”We are not going to change the date for the elections. All primaries will take place on January 15,” Mugabe said.
While details of Zanu-PF’s disciplinary procedures remain secret, it is known that several hopefuls have fallen from Mugabe’s favour in recent months. Among them is Moyo, who organised an unauthorised meeting in the western province of Matabeleland.
Also out of the running is reputed Mugabe relative and MP for the northern town of Chinhoyi, Phillip Chiyangwa, currently in prison awaiting trial for espionage.
The self-appointed leader of Zimbabwe’s notoriously violent farm invasions, Joseph Chinotimba — linked to Moyo’s Tsholotsho meeting in Matabeleland — could also see himself out of the running.
Chinotimba has repeatedly sought a parliamentary seat in Harare, an opposition Movement for Democratic Change stronghold. — Sapa
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