MDC-T members slam party stance on election candidates

parliamentarians from contesting sitting legislators.
They argued the move was meant to protect senior and non-performing MPs from being booted out in primary elections ahead of the harmonised elections next year.

According to some MDC-T members harbouring ambitions to stand on the party’s ticket in the next elections, the party had adopted a confirmation process they say would effectively prevent senior members from being challenged.

“We have been told that there will be a confirmation process for sitting MPs before any primary election is held and if they are confirmed no election will be held. We believe this is just a ploy to prevent some of these senior members from being challenged, they want to safeguard their positions,” a disgruntled member who preferred not to be named said.

However, the party’s spokesperson Mr Douglas Mwonzora, differed and said the concerns were unfounded.
“The MDC system allows for primaries and we have never banned primary elections. We have set criteria for any prospective candidate where we look at their history in the party and service to the party among others.

“For sitting MPs we, however, first have a confirmation exercise where they are required to be confirmed by at least two thirds of the members. If one garners those two thirds there would then be no need to have primary elections. This process actually enhances democracy,” he said.
Mr Mwonzora said his party was, however, yet to begin the selection processes for its candidates in the harmonised elections.

Meanwhile, MDC spokesperson Mr Kurauone Chihwayi, said his party would conduct primary elections once the referendum for a new Constitution was completed.
“Our constitution is clear on how we select our candidates. If more than one person show interest to stand in any particular constituency primary elections will then be held to choose the party’s candidate.

“We do not tolerate imposition at all but only card carrying members will take part in those processes. However, we are yet to begin that process but it will be held sometime next year after the referendum on the draft constitution,” he said.

Mr Chihwayi said despite indications by President Mugabe that the harmonised elections would be held early next year, his party believed elections would only be held in June or thereafter.

Zanu PF is setting out rules that will regulate the conduct of its primary elections.
The party’s spokesperson Cde Rugare Gumbo said the new regulations ensured cases of imposition of candidates and factionalism were dealt with decisively.