Mavambo Kusile Dawn Party Not Fielding Presidential Candidate
'in the spirit of co-operation with parties the two MDC formations, Zanu Ndonga and Zapu, the party's national management committee resolved not to present a presidential candidate'
HARARE — Mavambo Kusile Dawn (MKD) party president Simba Makoni says his party is not fielding a presidential candidate in the next elections to pave way for a possible single candidate that may be agreed to by a coalition of parties. Zapu leader Dumiso Dabengwa on Wednesday said he will put his name on the presidential ballot, signaling the stalling of coalition talks but Makoni said he has hope that political parties will unite in the presidential race against veteran President Robert Mugabe. Makoni told journalists in the capital that in the spirit of co-operation with parties like the two Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) formations, Zanu Ndonga and Zapu, the party's national management committee resolved not to present a presidential candidate. This, Makoni, said is to allow for the on-going coalition talks which are expected to come up with a single candidate to stand against President Robert Mugabe. He said the parties have so far not agreed on any candidate and could not say when they are likely to be completed. Mr. Makoni said his party will field candidates for senatorial, national assembly and council elections. However, he explained that it is MKD’s view that the coalition fields one candidate in senatorial, national assembly and council elections. Coalition parties are expected to file nominations Friday. Mr. Makoni said if the parties make a concrete agreement even after the nomination court process, some candidates would have to stand down for coalition candidates. The MDC-T formation filed nominations for its candidates in advance Wednesday. In a related development, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has relaxed requirements for candidates wishing to contest council elections. In a statement, the Commission said it is no longer a legal requirement for candidates to attach police and local government clearances on their nomination papers.