Zanu-PF sets rules for primaries

five years, but the requirement can be waived by provincial committees for certain candidates. This is among various conditions announced by the party’s national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo at a Press conference attended by secretary for the Commissariat Cde Webster Shamu and spokesperson Cde Rugare Gumbo.

The rules and regulations would govern the conduct of primaries slated for June 24 ahead of harmonised elections set for July 31.

Cde Khaya Moyo — who also chairs the party’s National Elections Directorate — said prospective candidates should forward their applications and curriculum vitae to the inter-district meetings to be held countrywide today.

Those intending to contest House of Assembly elections must be fully-paid up members of the party, should have served as an officer bearer at district level for at least five years, should be of good character and be loyal to the party.

They should also have adequate knowledge of Zimbabwe’s political, economic, cultural and social affairs.

Cde Khaya Moyo said there could be a waiver on the five-year membership requirement at district level, depending on circumstances.

“We have allowed Provincial Elections Directorates to consider such applications and make their recommendations to the National Elections Directorate.

“We will not dictate to anyone. We have said no to imposition. We have emphatically stated that it will not be tolerated.”

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According to the guidelines, those who qualify for the waiver should be card-carrying members for a period of not less than five years and were prevented from holding office because of their employment in the service of the State.

They should, however, in terms of the Constitution of Zimbabwe qualify to stand for election for any office.

Those wishing to stand in Senate elections should also have the same qualifications as above, but should be at least 40 years of age and have participated in the country’s liberation struggle and or contributed to the development of the country consistently and persistently.

Those eyeing local government seats should have similar attributes, but should have held an office at branch or cell level for at least five years.

Cde Khaya Moyo said House of Assembly seats held by female candidates would only be contested by women during the primary elections.

“The sitting (female) candidates should be contested by other female candidates. That was the position that was taken by the Politburo. There must be no use of money to entice voters,” he said.

After submitting their applications and CVs at the inter-district meetings today, the Provincial Elections Directorates will go through them on Sunday for onward transmission to the National Elections Directorate.

The National Elections Directorate would consider the applications and then bring them before the Politburo on Wednesday next week.

Cde Khaya Moyo would afterwards announce the list of approved candidates signalling the beginning of the campaigns.

The primary elections would be held on the same day using the secret ballot, with the results being forwarded to the National Elections Directorate.