His interest in political affairs would later agitate Mugabe‚ who once barked that Chiwenga should be confined to the barracks because he had a lot of interest in ZANU-PF’s political affairs.
But political analysts warn that Chiwenga’s stakeholder interest in getting ZANU-PF voted into power will solidify his entitlement in succeeding Mnangagwa one day.
“It’s the first time in the history of ZANU-PF that you find a person who is meant to be appointed doing the bidding for the candidate in this manner. What it simply shows us is that ZANU-PF has moved from one centre of power‚” said Sindiso Mazibisa.
At a funeral that presented a campaign opportunity a fortnight ago‚ Chiwenga freely told party supporters that the military was behind Mnangagwa’s survival when he fled the country. In his speech he revealed that it was him and his then deputy‚ General Philip Valerio Sibanda‚ who plotted the great escape.
“When the then vice president (Mnangagwa) was fired from government in November last year I was in China on national duty. General Sibanda called me to advise me of the sad development. I told him comrade Mnangagwa’s life could be at stake‚ please make sure he is safe‚” he said.
After the fall of Mugabe‚ numerous army officers retired from the army‚ chief among them‚ retired Lieutenant General Sibusiso Moyo – who is now minister of foreign affairs and international trade – and former air force commander Perence Shiri (born Bigboy Samson Chikerema)‚ the minister of lands‚ agriculture and rural resettlement.
Philani Moyo from Fort Hare University in South Africa said the sudden involvement of politicians with a military background in ZANU-PF eclipsing ordinary politicians will give Chiwenga a backing in an event that a power tussle begins within the party.- TimesLive
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ZANU PF did their groundwork. However the imposition of some candidates may negatively affect some members of Parliament Ed's vote will not be affected. He heads for a convincing victory.