The Secretary General of the Youth Assembly, Promise Mukwananzi, said the proposal had been made to the National Executive and the National Council and the Assembly would not back down, even though its position might face resistance from some sectors.
“We have identified prospective candidates and are working closely with the Women’s Assembly to identify young female candidates to stand in the next election. We expect positive results as the MDC is a party of the future, which is amenable to youth ideas,” said Mukwananzi.
A Youth Assembly member, who declined to be named, said the decision by the party’s National Executive that incumbent Members of Parliament would not be contested during primary elections was “a threat to democracy”.
“The decision protects under-performing MPs. As the youths we would have wanted to contest in some constituencies but we are being barred by that decision. It is not acceptable in a party which claims to champion democracy,” he said.
Party spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora said the issue had not been discussed yet. “On selection of candidates there is no clear cut policy really. The party considers the popularity of candidates more than their ages but there is nothing wrong with youths lobbying for more seats. I wish them good luck,” he said.
Post published in: News