He said the party had learnt from experience that indiscriminate choice of candidates cost party credibility.
“This time around, we are asking for qualifications from aspiring councillorship candidates. We want people who deliver, not those who hide behind others at forums such as Parliament and fail to make meaningful contributions,” said Tsvangirai. Party sources said specific criteria would be decided and endorsed at the party’s National Council Meeting, scheduled for December 19.
Tsvangirai said the requirement for basic qualifications will also help tame corruption among councillors.
“Those who fail to make it due to inferior qualifications should not despair. They will be absorbed into various departments of the next MDC government, according to their capabilities,” he added.
Tsvangirai’s pronouncement left sitting councillors in a panic, afraid that the basic qualification might include an Ordinary Level of education. The majority of MDC-T city fathers did not go that far at school. The party’s national chairperson, Lovemore Moyo, told The Zimbabwean in an exclusive interview that: “Required qualifications will not necessarily be academic or professional. Proven and people trusted leadership will be one of the pre-requisites.”
He said aspiring members of Parliament and councillors would have their backgrounds seriously assessed before participating in primary elections.
“We want the party to be represented by credible people who have what it takes to be in public office. As a party, we are fighting high levels of corruption among our councillors and in other public places.
The proposed basic requirements for will help screen undesirable elements out of the system,” said Moyo, who is also Speaker of Parliament.
He said corruption was not committed exclusively by those with little education, but involved even those boasting of high academic and professional achievements.
Post published in: News