Political analysts dismiss Mujuru's proposal to hold primary elections to select coalition leader

Speaking to NewsDay, political analyst, Llyod Sachikonye described Joice Mujuru’s idea to hold primary elections to select a leader for next year’s coalition as too complicated although he said that the democratic intention is good. He also provided a possible approach which involves deciding and agreeing on a constituency where a particular party is stronger and then field one candidate.

Another analyst, Eldred Masunungure, said what Mujuru said is not in the spirit of a coalition. He said that Mujuru’s comments are a hint that the negotiations have failed. Rejoice Ngwenya said Mujuru doesn’t understand how coalitions work. She added that primaries destroy confidence in individuals who have capacity but with no grassroots influence. An activist, Farai Maguwu, said primaries will create divisions.

When contacted by NewsDay for a comment, MDC-T spokesperson Obert Gutu said his party are not yet at liberty to disclose the negotiations to the public. MDC spokesperson, Kurauone Chihwayi, said that the decision to hold primary elections will come from the current negotiations.