Chairperson of the independent commission running the
weekend elective process of the MDC congress, Japhet Moyo, has allayed rigging
fears by some candidates saying the polls will be free and fair.
This comes after a number of candidates told The Standard
yesterday that with all the hopes of clinching positions, they were fearful
that the ground might be tilted in favour of other candidates.
The party will likely hold a national executive meeting
early this week where candidates are expected to demand concrete measures to
ensure the process is free and fair.
Others said they did not want party employees to be
involved in the process for the same fear that some might be compromised.
However, in an interview yesterday, chairperson of the
independent commission Moyo said there was nothing to fear as they were putting
in place anti-rigging mechanisms.
“They (candidates) are not supposed to fear anything.
Winning or losing elections is part of the game and those who are eligible for
the elections must go to the membership and campaign peacefully,” Moyo said.
“I can assure those who are participating that the process
will be free, fair and credible. We are an independent commission and we are
not part of the MDC. I am doing this not as ZCTU, but as an individual.
“I am chairing that commission and all the candidates must
just be happy because everything has been put in place for them to enjoy the
congress. Those who are popular and have members’ support will be celebrating
and those who lose must join the victors in celebrating,” he said.
Already stakes are high in the MDC with party bigwigs
facing off for the few leadership positions up for grabs at the congress. Some
of the positions such as the spokesperson and organising secretary as well as a
litany of deputies will, however, come through appointment by the party leader
Nelson Chamisa, who sailed through unchallenged.
Of note will be the vice-president positions where four
senior members that include Tendai Biti, Morgen Komichi, Welshman Ncube and
Elias Mudzuri will be fighting for two slots, while the three female
contestants, who are Lynette Karenyi Kore, Lilian Timveos and Tracy Mutinhiri,
will be fighting for one slot.
Fireworks are also expected for the secretary-general’s
position where three heavyweights, Douglas Mwonzora, Charlton Hwende and Fortune
Molokela, are eyeing the seat.
All the three have expressed confidence of winning although
others claim the ground might be tilted against them. Standard
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