Zanu-PF cuts ties with ‘rebels’

ZANU-PF “has no business” with people who chose to stand as independent candidates during the July 30 elections after ditching the ruling party, a senior party member has said.

Manicaland provincial secretary for administration Cde Kenneth Saruchera said those who decided to stand as independent candidates were automatically expelled from the party and their actions should not be attributed to Zanu-PF.

Cde Saruchera said the ruling party stands guided by the constitution of the party which says those who decide to stand as independent candidates should operate outside party boundaries.

President Mnangagwa was recently on record as saying those who left the revolutionary party to stand as independent candidates should desist from using Zanu-PF regalia during their campaigns.

“There is no official correspondence that has been communicated to those who chose to stand as independent candidates but the party’s constitution says they will be automatically dismissed from the party,” said Cde Saruchera.

“We have no business with them as the party has guiding principles and a clear constitution.”

Several candidates ditched the ruling party in protest at the manner in which primary elections were held.

Mr Ngonidzashe Mudekunye (Buhera South), Mr Taurai Chiripamberi (Headlands) and Ms Talent Kadzima (Nyanga South) were among the candidates who chose to stand independent candidates after losing during the primary elections.

Sitting Member of Parliament Cde Batsirayi Pemhenayi had initially chosen to stand as an independent in Mutare North before pulling out of the race.

ZEC confirmed his withdrawal.