United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) leader Elisabeth Valerio says aspiring candidates are required to submit their curriculum vitae (CV) to demonstrate their ability to make constructive contributions in the relevant public offices.
While she indicated that the party is conducting primary elections, she said these are done in areas where they have more than one candidate who qualifies to represent UZA in the local authority or national assembly.
In an interview with CITE, Valerio said a Candidate Selection Committee (CSC) in each province is responsible for reviewing the candidate CVs and making candidate recommendations.
“A Candidates Selection Committee (CSC) in each province is reviewing the candidate CVs and making candidate recommendations. Members of the CSCs are respected and credible members of UZA with no interest in being selected themselves. They are responsible for circulating the Guidelines to structures and answering questions. Screening and shortlisting nominations based on the democratic process, CVs, UZA member reviews, candidate vetting, and interviews, as needed. They also circulate nominations and CVs before the primary elections conferences if applicable and they are responsible for considering objections and responding to them fairly,” she said.
She said candidates must be UZA members in good standing with a proven track record of commitment to, and involvement in the party.
“They are required to submit their CV to demonstrate the experience, education or expertise that will enable them to make a constructive contribution in the relevant legislature or in parliament,” said Valerio.
She said the aspiring candidates must have no criminal record or any involvement in the promotion of divisions and conflict.
“They must provide photo identification. They also must be registered to vote in the constituency in which they intend to contest. Candidates must have no criminal record and no history of ill-discipline or corruption or involvement in fostering divisions and conflict,” she said.
UZA leader said the CSC will also oversee the final compilation of the candidate lists for submission to the party’s National Secretary General.
She added that the party now has candidates in almost all constituencies, however, they are still in the process of confirming candidates for certain constituencies in provinces like Manicaland and Mashonaland Central, “We have done well in rural wards where we spent most of our time over the past 20 months.”
Meanwhile, she raised concerns about few female candidates who are willing to participate.
“We would also like to see more youth taking part in the elections,” she said.
