Probe, nullify disputed DCC polls: Politburo

Thursday, 17 May 2012 00:00

Zanu-PF national political commissar, Webster Shamu Takunda Maodza  Senior Reporter AN extraordinary session of the Zanu-PF Po-litburo met in Harare yesterday and resolved that national political commissar Cde Webster Shamu investigate disturbances that occurred in some provinces during district co-ordinating committee elections. Where irregularities are revealed, Cde Shamu will nullify the results and conduct fresh polls. There have been reports of imposition of candidates during the Zanu-PF DCC elections, especially in Manicaland and Masvingo provinces. “We had a report from the Zanu-PF national political commissar, Cde Shamu, on what transpired in the restructuring exercise, in particular the DCC. We had an extensive discussion and there were a lot of areas of concern. “We talked about the imposition of candidates and elections not having been run in a democratic manner. “People spoke their mind. Where there have been errors, we need to look into that. There are areas where there is need to re-         look and ensure that things are done properly,” said Zanu-PF spokesperson Cde Rugare Gu-mbo. He added: “We will give the political commissar another chance to go into areas where there is concern and, if he needs to nullify the results, he will nullify and we will have re-runs.” Cde Gumbo said yesterday’s Politburo meeting was “very open and frank”. Also see Mr Commissar, Sir! He said no one was blamed for challenges faced by the party during the DCC elections. Cde Gumbo said nothing was left untouched during discussions, including debate on succession, but did not give details on the subject. He said no one, including the President, was happy with what transpired during DCC elections in some provinces. “People are not happy. The President is also not happy with what is happening, but we (Zanu-PF) have survived a lot of crises. “We have had a number of crises, but we always resolve them. We are happy we have been open and frank to each other. This is the best Politburo meeting we have had for some time,” he said. The Politburo reiterated that national elections would be held this year without fail. “We re-affirmed that elections will be held this year and our candidate will be President Mugabe,” Cde Gumbo said. He said Copac had been given up to the end of this month to complete the constitution-making process to pave way for a referendum and elections. “Politburo wants the issue (constitution) completely resolved by the end of this month,” Cde Gumbo said. He dismissed reports of fissures in Zanu-PF as mere speculation. “There is no split. There is one President, two Vice-Presidents, National Chairman and a Secretary for Administration. “If you are organising somewhere, then you are a destabilising force. The party recognises the structure that is there,” Cde Gumbo           said. The Politburo also discussed the food situation, preparations for the winter wheat and the state of industries. The meeting started after midday and ended late last night.