Zanu PF threatens to expel losing primary candidates who run as independents
Zanu PF has warned that any candidate who lost in the party’s primary elections and decides to run as an independent in the upcoming August polls will be permanently expelled from the party. This was one of the resolutions made at the recent Zanu PF induction workshop held in Gweru.
According to Zanu PF national political commissar Mike Bimha, losing candidates should wait and try again in future elections, not run as independents. He said any candidate who runs independently “would have automatically expelled yourself from the party.”
Bimha added that in the past, Zanu PF has readmitted independent candidates years later but they would face disciplinary hearings. He advised losing primary candidates to sit out this election and wait for the next one.
Some sources who attended the workshop said Zanu PF chairperson Oppah Muchinguri also declared that any member who runs as an independent will be expelled for good. The party fears independent candidates could split the vote in some areas and hand victories to the opposition.
In the past, Zanu PF members who ran as independents were only suspended for around 5 years. But this time, the party says any member who chooses that route will be permanently ousted.
Several Zanu PF big shots lost in the chaotic June primary elections marred by violence and rigging allegations. Zimbabwe’s Electoral Commission will conduct candidate nominations on June 21.
