WASHINGTON DC —
The Zanu-PF politiburo meets Wednesday to discuss the potentially divisive issue of party primary elections.
Party insiders told VOA Studio 7 that the party will also discuss the possibility of holding the general election on June 29, the last day of the current parliament.
The party has defered primaries for almost a year because party leaders and supporters could not agree on the ground rules. Zanu-PF spokesman Rugare Gumbo said the party is ready to tackle primaries.
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Interview With Rugare Gumbo
Primaries around the world cause frictions within political parties. And Blessing Vava of the National Constitutional Assembly said Zanu-PF is not immune.
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Interview With Blessing Vava
Its rival, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) formation of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangiriai says its primary elections and the confirmation of sitting lawmakers will start on April 20.
The party made the announcement last Thursday following a decision by its National Council.
Officials say 1,000 candidates will square off in different constituencies seeking a ticket to represent the party in the upcoming general elections.
Popular radio personality Ezra 'Tshisa' Sibanda is one of the candidates who made it through to the MDC-T primary process.
Sibanda, who will contest in Vhungu, Midlands Province, told VOA his objective is to bring development to his constituency if he makes it to parliament.
