The ZANU-PF Politburo yesterday expressed concerns at the selection of candidates to represent the party at the forthcoming by-elections in Lupane East, Glen View South and Mangwe constituencies in which the party claims it will scoop resounding victories.

Speaking at a Press briefing after the 331st Ordinary Session of the Politburo in Harare yesterday, ZANU-PF secretary for Information and Publicity Simon Khaya Moyo said the Politburo recommended party members to follow laid down procedures during selection of the candidates.

“There are a few by-elections coming and the Politburo virtually discussed details of each of them. The proper procedure was emphasised by the Politburo in terms of selecting candidates to represent the party in every primary election and these must be in terms of the rules and regulations governing the conduct of primary elections,” said Khaya Moyo.

“Where there is no consensus, primary elections must be held without fail. The rules and regulations are very detailed and very clear and must be followed. Due to time constraints to hold primary elections in Mangwe constituency, (as) nominations are only the day after tomorrow (Friday), after extensive debate, the Politburo has allowed the selection of Cde Hlalani Mguni to represent Mangwe constituency.”

Mguni is the widow of the late MP, Obedingwa Mguni.

Khaya Moyo said ZANU-PF Matabeleland South province has resolved to select her to represent the party in Mangwe in the upcoming by-election.

President Mnangagwa has set September 7 as the day for National Assembly by-elections in Mangwe, Matabeleland South and Glen View South in Harare. The seats fell vacant following the deaths of Mguni of Zanu-PF (Mangwe) and MDC-Alliance’s Vimbai Tsvangirai-Java (Glen View South).