Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Guy Scott
Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) has encouraged Acting President Guy Scott to defend the party Constitution by ensuring that the PF presidential candidate is selected through the legally recognized means as provided for in the party Constitution.
YALI Governance Advisor Isaac Mwanza has told QFM News in an interview that his organization is worried with the difficulty the PF is having in adopting their presidential candidate and the mode of adoption.
Mr. Mwanza notes that while the succession wrangles are a party matter which must be resolved internally, it is also a matter that affects the people as any action the party will take has the potential to disrupt the peace of the nation.
Mr. Mwanza says the unilateral adoption of candidates by the PF in total disregard of provisions of their Constitution, has capacity to result in litigations which may hinder the party’s participation in the Presidential by-election.
Mr. Mwanza says it must be agreed that in terms of article 54, the Vice President takes over the functions of president in the event of death of the incumbent president.
He adds that according to article 52 of the PF constitution, it is clear that the president shall be elected at a general conference and a person who wins such election should represent the party for election of Republican President.
The YALI Governance Advisor has since advised Members of the PF Central Committee to try and avoid any conflict with other would- be contenders culminating into litigations should any of the members feel the process of adopting the party candidate for the Republican Presidency was already predetermined.
Meanwhile, former Open Society Foundation (OSF) Executive Director Sunday Chanda has told QFM News in a separate interview that the PF is remaining with 69 more days of the 90days provided for under the constitution before the election, thus the need for the PF Central Committee to resolve these matters.
Mr. Chanda says as a matter of urgency, the Central Committee should invoke its powers and elect a candidate and put to bed all the confusion in the party.
He notes that this is a by-election where the opposition stands no chance unless PF gives it to them on a silver plate.
By Albert Mpezeni