ZANU PF “must accept the results” of this week’s elections, says a key ruling party candidate who was a former ZIPRA commander during the liberation war.

Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI) chief and ZANU PF candidate for the Makokoba House of Assembly seat, Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, told The Standard a disputed election victory would not be “in the best interests” of ZANU PF.

“Once you accept to hold elections, it means you will have to accept the outcome of that election,” Dube said, “whether you win or lose.”

“The most important thing is that our elections should be free, fair and legitimate and be recognized by everyone.”

Dube’s comments appeared to be a reaction to threats by defence forces commander, Constantine Chiwenga, police commissioner-general, Augustine Chihuri and prisons boss, Paradzai Zimondi not to salute a presidential election winner other than President Robert Mugabe.

The security chiefs described Mugabe’s challengers, independent candidate Simba Makoni and MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai as “sellouts”.

Dube faces MDC secretary-general Welshman Ncube and MDC-Tsvangirai’s vice-president, Thokozani Khuphe in one of the toughest contests in Bulawayo.

The MDC has raised alarm over the statements by the security chiefs and last week South Africa‘s ruling African National Congress (ANC), urged the commanders to be non-partisan.

Previous elections have been marred by allegations of vote-rigging and intimidation by the armed forces who in 2002 threatened a coup if Mugabe lost to Tsvangirai.

Analysts say this has contributed to Zimbabwe‘s international isolation, largely blamed for the spectacular collapse of the economy.

Dube said: “Most of our problems are related to our failure to have polls internationally regarded as free and fair.

“If these elections are free and fair, the country will be accepted back into the international community and that would bring about a change to the economy.”

Meanwhile, in another indication of the widening rift in the ruling party ahead of the elections, Dube has told Industry and International Trade minister,

Obert Mpofu to stop interfering in party affairs in Bulawayo.

He was responding to reports Mpofu told Mugabe during a recent rally there were senior ZANU PF leaders in Matabeleland campaigning for Makoni.

Mpofu claimed the heavyweights were urging party supporters to vote for ZANU PF councillors, MPs and Senators but to choose their own candidate for the presidency.

“Baba President, some top leaders in Matabeleland, especially in Bulawayo are spreading serious disinformation,” Mpofu was quoted as saying by the State media.

But Dube, who has in the past accused Mpofu of contributing to ZANU PF’s unpopularity over last year’s price blitz, urged him to concentrate on his rural Umguza constituency.

“He should focus on his area as it is not his duty to comment on Bulawayo operations. There are people in Bulawayo who can report to the president if such things are happening.”

Mpofu himself could not be reached for comment.

(Source)