President Robert Mugabe on Thursday chaired the Politburo organ of his ruling Zanu-PF party torn again by serious factionalism and concerns about the alleged deteriorating health of the first family.
Party sources told VOA Studio 7 that on the agenda of the meeting was the divisive issue of selecting candidates to represent Zanu-PF in forthcoming by-elections to replace 14 Movement for Democratic Change parliamentarians dismissed from the House of Assembly and the state of the economy.
The coalition that had been forged by Information Minister Jonathan Moyo, Environment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere, Higher Education Minister Oppah Muchinguru Kashiri and Mr. Mugabe’s nephew, Patrick Zhuwawo, to oust former Vice President Joyce Mujuru has crumbled leading to further friction in the party.
Muchinguri Kashiri has been allegedly isolated and a faction backing Kasukuwere demonstrated against her and party heavyweights Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa in Headlands on Sunday for allegedly trying to impose candidates.
Party insiders also say they are seriously concerned about the rumor that Mr. Mugabe and his wife, Grace, who is the Women’s League boss, are receiving cancer treatment.
Political analyst Charles Mangongera said friction is the nature of politics.