One opts out of vice presidency race

THE race to fill up the vacant vice president position has taken a sharp twist following the opting out of the contest by former deputy president of the Senate, Naison Ndlovu, who had been named as possible contender for the position. A Politburo member, who is also the remaining most senior PF-ZAPU member, Ndlovu told the Financial Gazette that he has lost interest in the post but would not disclose his reasons.

"I have pulled out of the race. I wanted it the last time but have since lost interest. So I am not running," he said. Speculation had been rife in recent weeks that Ndlovu would be running for the post as he did in 2009 when he made a bid for it but lost out to John Nkomo, the late vice president. Sources, however, said many in the party were of the view that he is now too old for the demanding job.

A few weeks ago, Ndlovu reproached fellow Politburo member Abednico Ncube for declaring that Matabeleland South province was in full support of ZANU-PF national chairman, Simon Khaya-Moyo's candidature. Ncube is the province's Minister of State. Ncube's declaration drew fire with Ndlovu and fellow Politburo member, Richard Ndlovu reacting angrily to the remarks saying members should stop making such pronouncements as the party was yet to sanction any electioneering for the post adding that no one was certain to land it.

"The race for the VP post has not yet been declared open. The Unity Accord is very clear on this and states that the most senior person in former PF-ZAPU ascends to the position or competes for the position with other former senior members," Ndlovu said. Traditional chiefs in Matabeleland region have also joined in the fray with Chief Pashu of Binga saying this week that party members should be allowed to openly discuss the matter to be able to come up with the most suitable candidate.

The chief was quoted saying those interested in the post should come out in the open and let party members discuss their credentials. "I want to add my support to the promotion of the party national chairman to the position of Vice President in line with the Unity Accord. There is precedence that has been going on in the appointment of VP and there is no reason to oppose that decision," said Pashu chief who traded his ZANU-PF Politburo membership for the chieftaincy a few years ago.

With Ndlovu pulling out of the race, Khaya Moyo, who could not be drawn into talking about the matter is now widely regarded as a front-runner. Khaya-Moyo has a seemingly unassailable political advantage as he is already in the ZANU-PF presidium as chairman. He is also a senior minister in government. A string of ZANU-PF top dogs linked to the post are keeping their cards close to the chests.

Those reportedly jockeying for the position include, party deputy national spokesman Cain Mathema; ex-ZIPRA commander, Ambrose Mutinhiri; former Zimbabwean Ambassador to South Africa, Phelekezela Mphoko; and Politburo member, Cephas Msipa. Mathema was non-committal when contacted by the Financial Gazette. "I have no comment, I have no comment," he hastily retorted before abruptly hanging up.

Msipa said: "I have not expressed my interest to anyone. I do not know who told you that." Transport Minister Obert Mpofu, who also contested for the post in 2009, is reported to be interested while Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi became the latest entry into the race when he declared on Tuesday that he was ready to take over the vice presidency.

According to the ZANU-PF constitution, candidate for the post must garner nomination from at least seven of the country's ten provinces. The 1987 unity accord, which brought former revolutionary parties ZANU-PF and PF-ZAPU together into a single party under the ZANU-PF banner, states that the most senior person in former PF-ZAPU ascends to the position or competes for the position with other former senior members.