All political parties are accused of falling short in the field of democratic conduct.
Zanu (PF) delays to hold primaries were said to be calculated to retain old blood as new aspiring candidates will not have enough time to campaign.
Zanu (PF) said it has not yet come up with primary election dates since President Robert Mugabe was too busy with national issues.
Give everyone a chance
Social analyst, Takura Zhangazha, said an unchallengeable party leadership syndrome cut across all political parties. “It is regrettable to note that political parties that claim to be champions of true democracy are at the forefront of flouting principals of democracy,” said Zhangazha. Political parties were encouraged to consider every aspiring candidate for the primaries on their ability to articulate party values.
MDC-T was accused of protecting party founders and other senior officials through adoption of the controversial confirmation process.
Observers took a swipe at Zanu (PF) ‘for its continued recycling’ of aged and non-performing party founders in political positions of influence.
Zanu (PF) activist, Hlengiwe Mtetwa, said primary elections were meant to facilitate dialogue and consensus within a party.
“As Zanu (PF), we are not in any hurry to hold primaries as the party wants to avoid past mistakes and take the opportunity to get rid of members who tarnish the image of the party. Those who do not share the party ideology with President Mugabe will not be spared,” said Mtetwa.
MDC democratic
MDC-T spokesperson, Douglas Mwonzora, who was unable to attend the discussion, is on record saying that MDC-T remained one of the most democratic institutions in the country.
Respected political analyst Alexander Rusero said party primaries in Zimbabwe were unfortunately characterized by poor democratic values. He said it was a slap in the face of democracy for a party to have people holding on to parliamentary portfolios.
A number of people interviewed by The Zimbabwean revealed that their quest to contest in Zanu (PF) was frustrated by the party leadership which said the race was for people with a party track record.
Post published in: News