PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe is today expected to preside over a stormy politburo meeting amid rising tensions in the ruling Zanu PF party.
BY RICHARD CHIDZA
Mugabe’s proclamation of dates for snap by-elections set for June 10 triggered a new wave of infighting with rival factions resorting to presenting different candidates in the Harare East constituency.
Zanu PF’s internal fights have now moved to a new frontier, in Harare East, reportedly pitting political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere against secretary for administration Ignatius Chombo represented by career banker Terrence Mukupe and Mavis Gumbo respectively.
“There will be fireworks, a lot has happened since the last meeting, but high on the agenda is likely to be the issue of imposition of candidates and growing unease within the party over the manner in which the commissariat has handled the Harare East issue,” a politburo source told NewsDay. “Kasukuwere will be told to ask his protégé [Mukupe] to stand down.”
While Chombo is reportedly away in China on business, his deputy at party level, July Moyo, professed ignorance of the meeting. “I have not been advised and I am not aware,” the media shy Moyo said curtly.
Zanu PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo was not immediately available for comment.
Political analyst Pedzisai Ruhanya said the fights in Zanu PF would continue unless Mugabe puts his foot down.
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“There is no elite cohesion at the top of the party. Mugabe needs to realign his forces and they also need to appreciate that at every epoch in the history of a party or country, there is only one centre of power. This meeting would be about Mugabe stamping his authority,” Ruhanya said.
The politburo is also expected to discuss recommendations from its Masvingo and Mashonaland East provincial structures for the expulsions of a host of individuals associated with former Vice-President Joice Mujuru.
In April, the Mashonaland East interim provincial executive recommended the expulsion and suspension of 20 officials including former provincial chairman Ray Kaukonde.
In Masvingo provincial stalwarts Dzikamai Mavhaire and Tourism minister Walter Mzembi lead a pack of leaders earmarked for either suspension or expulsion.
