Zanu PF Plans Crucial Meetings to Solve Internal Divisions Before Elections
Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party will hold a series of important meetings this week led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in an attempt to address internal divisions that came about after chaotic primary elections.
President Mnangagwa has already declared August 23 as the date for the upcoming general elections where he will seek re-election for a second full term. Zanu PF is now working hard to unite the party which was left divided following the controversial primary elections.
The primaries were marred by accusations of rigging and imposement of candidates. Zanu PF’s internal elections were run by the opaque Friends Association of Zimbabwe which has links to the intelligence agency.
President Mnangagwa’s own Midlands province has seen bitter fighting with ordinary party members rejecting imposed candidates in over 10 constituencies. Zanu PF deployed an official to resolve the tensions but with little success.
According to a circular from the party’s department, President Mnangagwa will attend a 5-day mobilization meeting starting tomorrow in Gweru. The meeting aims to build a united Zanu PF ahead of the elections.
Most Zanu PF candidates are struggling to attract crowds to their rallies, particularly in Midlands, Masvingo and Manicaland provinces. Zanu PF has admitted unity has been lost and is worried about the rise of the opposition CCC party in these areas.
The meetings in Gweru will also orient the newly selected candidates and instruct party leaders to get losing candidates to back the winners in order to present a united party going into the elections. Zanu PF aims for 5 million votes while CCC targets 6 million.
