Zanu PF has resolved to set up an Elections Commission to manage the party’s primary elections ahead of the harmonised national elections to be held later this year.

The Commission will be chaired by the party’s National Political Commissar, Engelbert Rugeje while other members will be appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa based on their experience and loyalty to the party, among other attributes.

This was confirmed by the party’s Secretary for Information and Publicity, Simon Khaya Moyo at the end of the extraordinary meeting at the party headquarters in Harare this afternoon.

“The party resolved to set up an elections commission that is tasked to scrutinise the names of approved candidates for local authorities and parliamentary elections. The National Political Commissar, Engelbert Rugeje will chair the commission and names of other shall be chosen by the President and First Secretary of the party on the basis of integrity, probity, skills, competence, loyalty and commitment to the party,” said Khaya Moyo.

Khaya Moyo added that the Politburo resolved that any member who wishes to stand for primaries should submit their names to the provinces for scrutiny, before making recommendations and passing them on to the Politburo for final decision.

He also said the provinces should also forward the names that they may not approve, stating the reasons for non-approval and the final decision shall be taken by the Politburo.

The extraordinary session of the Politburo also saw the presentation of reports.

Rugeje gave a comprehensive roadmap stating that the President will visit Matabeleland North Province after a successful visit to Mashonaland Central Province.

Other activities on the party programmes include presidential tours aimed at introducing Manangagwa to the people in the provinces.

The tours are also linked to economic activities taking place in the different areas as part of the 100 days quick win projects.

The party’s National Chairperson, Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri presented a report on the preparations for elections focusing on the party regalia and manifesto, while the Secretary for Finance, Patrick Chinamasa stood on behalf of the Secretary for Legal Affairs, Paul Mangwana to present a report on the rules and regulations governing the conduct of primary elections.

At the opening session of the Politburo, Mnangagwa reiterated his call for peace and tolerance for the elections to be free, fair and credible.- state media