News / National
Zanu-PF Political Commissar announces massive restructuring process
31 May 2024 at 21:25hrs | Views
Recently appointed Zanu-PF Political Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha has announced a significant restructuring of the party, reportedly aimed at purging members opposed to President Emmerson Mnangagwa's alleged bid for an unconstitutional third term.
Zanu-PF is scheduled to conduct its District Coordinating Committee (DCC) elections this year as mandated by its constitution, amid escalating factionalism within the ranks.
Internal divisions stem from debates over Mnangagwa's tenure, with some advocating for him to exceed the two-term limit and retain power "beyond 2030." Meanwhile, his deputy Constantino Chiwenga is seen as a contender for the presidency, alongside younger figures like Supa Mandiwanzira and Jenfan Muswere.
Machacha's restructuring initiative is set to commence on June 1 with Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meetings overseen by Politburo members, concluding on the weekend of July 6 and 7 with the verification of selected candidates' elections.
Returnees and former opposition members defecting to Zanu-PF to contest elections will undergo vetting at the party's headquarters before their names are forwarded to respective provinces.
"This Circular informs provinces of the sequence of important awareness meetings leading to PHASE 1," read a circular signed by Machacha on May 29.
Masvingo Province has emerged as a stronghold for maintaining Mnangagwa's presidency, despite constitutional term limits outlined in Section 91 of Zimbabwe's constitution.
"The process itself is commendable and has been anticipated for some time. However, it's the covert motivations behind it that are raising suspicions," noted a source at Zanu-PF headquarters.
"Mnangagwa's desire to extend his rule beyond 2028 is evident, and this restructuring is likely to result in repercussions, particularly for those opposed to his ambitions or supportive of Chiwenga's ascendancy."
Zanu-PF's previous primary elections, conducted before the general elections, were marked by irregularities and illegalities, casting doubt on the legitimacy of its representatives.
At that time, the internal struggle pitted Mnangagwa loyalists against those perceived as challenging his continued leadership.
Chiwenga has publicly expressed allegiance to Mnangagwa, reminiscent of his defense against criticism from loyalists of the late President Robert Mugabe when he led the Lacoste faction and entertained notions of ousting Mugabe before 2017.
Zanu-PF is scheduled to conduct its District Coordinating Committee (DCC) elections this year as mandated by its constitution, amid escalating factionalism within the ranks.
Internal divisions stem from debates over Mnangagwa's tenure, with some advocating for him to exceed the two-term limit and retain power "beyond 2030." Meanwhile, his deputy Constantino Chiwenga is seen as a contender for the presidency, alongside younger figures like Supa Mandiwanzira and Jenfan Muswere.
Machacha's restructuring initiative is set to commence on June 1 with Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meetings overseen by Politburo members, concluding on the weekend of July 6 and 7 with the verification of selected candidates' elections.
Returnees and former opposition members defecting to Zanu-PF to contest elections will undergo vetting at the party's headquarters before their names are forwarded to respective provinces.
"This Circular informs provinces of the sequence of important awareness meetings leading to PHASE 1," read a circular signed by Machacha on May 29.
"The process itself is commendable and has been anticipated for some time. However, it's the covert motivations behind it that are raising suspicions," noted a source at Zanu-PF headquarters.
"Mnangagwa's desire to extend his rule beyond 2028 is evident, and this restructuring is likely to result in repercussions, particularly for those opposed to his ambitions or supportive of Chiwenga's ascendancy."
Zanu-PF's previous primary elections, conducted before the general elections, were marked by irregularities and illegalities, casting doubt on the legitimacy of its representatives.
At that time, the internal struggle pitted Mnangagwa loyalists against those perceived as challenging his continued leadership.
Chiwenga has publicly expressed allegiance to Mnangagwa, reminiscent of his defense against criticism from loyalists of the late President Robert Mugabe when he led the Lacoste faction and entertained notions of ousting Mugabe before 2017.
Source - newzimbabwe
