Welshman Ncube predicts turmoil ahead of polls

Movement for Democratic Change leader Welshman Ncube has predicted "turmoil" ahead of the next general elections, saying the spirit of co-operation among the three political parties had been replaced by unprogressive competition which was likely to persist until after the polls.

Addressing journalists at the National Press Club in Harare on Monday Ncube said: "Unfortunately in a coalitions, especially with talk of election in March or June next year, the spirit of co-operation has to be replaced by the spirit of competition and that's natural. We have to navigate through these things."

Ncube hinted that South African President Jacob Zuma who is also his in-law would visit Harare after the completion of the new constitution when a process towards an election roadmap would commence.

On outbursts by suspended ANC Youth League president Julius Malema that Zuma was biased against President Robert Mugabe, Ncube said the firebrand youth activist lacked credibility to comment about the facilitator.

"Let's forget what Malema has said. In (the Sadc summit in) Livingstone, Zanu-PF did not allege bias, they thanked Zuma and even President Mugabe praised him for an excellent report in Sandton. I don't see how you can sustain the aspect of bias," Ncube said.