WASHINGTON DC —
The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) formation of Prime Minisiter Morgan Tsvangirai is this Friday expected to start its primary election process that will see party members selecting candidates to represent the party in this year’s general elections.
Party organizing secretary Nelson Chamisa said they will first hold primaries in the so-called “orphaned constituencies (those held by other political parties)" before the confirmation process in which sitting members of parliament need to win two-thirds approval support in their constituencies to avoid a primary election.
But sources said some prospective candidates are not happy with this requirement, which they claim is meant to protect some sitting members of parliament.
The MDC formation also stopped prospective candidates from campaigning in areas under its lawmakers, claiming this will put pressure on the legislator to defend his territory instead of working for the electorate.
Chamisa said his party will not hesitate to discipline those caught flouting set rules guiding the process.
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Interview With Nelson Chamisa
Meanwhile, Zanu PF is this week expected to come up with ground rules for its primary elections. But Studio 7 failed to get a comment from spokesman Rugare Gumbo on the preparations as his mobile phone went unanswered.
