Zanu-PF sets primary elections date

Zanu-PF has scheduled its primary elections for November 1 to choose candidates to contest vacant parliamentary seats after opposition legislators were recalled by the self-imposed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim secretary-general, Sengezo Tshabangu.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa proclaimed that the by-elections will be held on December 9, and the Nomination Court is set to convene on November 7.

According to Zanu-PF's political commissar, Mike Bimha, "It's true that we have set November 1 as the date for our primary elections, subject to approval from our principals."

During the party's politburo meeting, Mnangagwa described the upcoming by-elections as a crucial poll. Zanu-PF aims to dominate the opposition and secure full control of Parliament to enable changes to the Constitution.

Mnangagwa expressed confidence in the party's ability to win all the by-elections with its strong mobilization capabilities.

In the August elections, Zanu-PF fell short of a two-thirds majority, winning 136 of the 209 National Assembly seats contested, while the CCC secured 73 seats. There are 210 seats in the National Assembly, and a by-election is scheduled for November 11 in Gutu to fill the vacant seat after the death of a candidate, Christopher Mutonhori Rwodzi, prevented elections from taking place in the constituency on August 23 and 24.

A shadowy intelligence group affiliated with Zanu-PF, Forever Associate Zimbabwe (FAZ), has announced its readiness to assist in the upcoming by-elections, emphasizing its loyalty to the party.

Rumors suggest that the primary elections may be a smokescreen, with prominent candidates like Finance minister Mthuli Ncube and businessman Scott Sakupwanya expected to run uncontested.