Africa
Zanu PF in battle over VP succession
President of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe. The escalating power struggles within Mugabe's Zanu PF party have deepened internal strife in a party already battling to prevent inevitable defeat by the larger MDC in the next elections. REUTERS
Posted Wednesday, October 14 2009 at 13:05
Mr Mutasa said if the provinces fail to decide on their own the politburo would nominate the VP and ask the provinces to endorse the candidate before the congress.
The fight for the vice presidency echoes the 2005 power struggles in Zanu PF that led to the expulsion of six provincial chairpersons who tried to block Mrs Mujuru’s ascendancy.
Former Information and Publicity Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo who was also fired during the purge has since been readmitted into Zanu PF.
Zanu PF is divided into three distinct factions led by retired army General Solomon Mujuru who wants his wife Joice to succeed Mr Mugabe and another one led by Defence Minister Mr Emerson Mnangagwa.
Another group also has a few hardliners who are still fiercely loyal to the 85 year-old leader.
The squabbles in the party culminated in vicious battles during conferences for women and the youth last month and there are fears there could be worse clashes during the congress where Mr Mugabe must set out his retirement plans.
The veteran leader who in the past has encouraged his party to openly discuss his succession says he will not retire unless “Western imperialists” stop pursuing their regime change in Zimbabwe.
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