According to an internal party document titled, ‘Citizens
And Community Consensus Candidate Selection Procedures’ seen by The Standard,
relevant professional qualifications will be a prerequisite for candidates
willing to stand for mayoral, parliamentary committee and council chairperson positions.
Mayors, deputy mayors, council chairpersons and committee
chairpersons at both Local Government and Parliamentary levels would also
undergo an “aptitude” test to assess their ability to take the leadership
positions.
Parliamentary candidates should be able to read and
interpret legislation and national policies, while council candidates must have
the ability to read and interpret council legislation, administrative by-laws,
and policies, according to the party guidelines.
CCC deputy secretary for elections Ellen Shiriyedenga told
The Standard in an interview yesterday that this would enhance efficiency and
productivity in the governance system.
“For example, one cannot be the chairperson for the finance
parliamentary portfolio committee when they do not have a strong background in
economic or financial issues,” Shiriyedenga said.
“Without professional experience in the field, one may not
be able to comprehend the issues raised and will fail to address the problems
arising.
“So, setting those literacy requirements is a way of
ensuring maximum productivity.”
Zanu PF yesterday held its primary elections to select
parliamentary and local authority candidates to represent the party in the
upcoming elections set for July or August.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is yet to proclaim the
election dates.
In its document, the CCC said it had anchored its candidate
selection on the grassroots to give ordinary citizens the authority to select
representatives of their choice.
“Zimbabwe is no exception to the increased global sentiment
for citizen inclusion and leadership accountability in all governance spheres,”
part of the CCC document reads.
“In response to this growing sentiment, the citizens’
movement seeks to present candidates that are a product of broad citizen
consultations and inclusion in an effort to entrench the new culture of citizen
engagement, participatory democracy and democratic accountability.”
In an interview with The Standard yesterday, CCC leader
Nelson Chamisa said the community-based candidate selection process was to
avoid imposing candidates on the electorate.
“Zanu PF looks for a leader who wants to lead the people,
but we want a leader whom the people want,” Chamisa said.
“Zanu PF wants its candidates to submit curriculum vitaes,
but we focus on community track record — what are the people saying about the
leader they want?
“Zanu PF wants individuals with financial prosperity, but
we are concerned with personality.
“We are putting emphasis on citizens’ participation.
“There will be no imposition of candidates. The power is with the citizens.
“Where there are ties between candidates, citizens will
still be expected to decide on their own the best candidate.” Standard
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