PAP advert for presidential post signals intent to...

PAP advert for presidential post signals intent to replace Chief Charumbira

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

The Pan African Parliament has advertised the presidential post, which was held by Chief Fortune Charumbira, who is now deputy president of the Zimbabwe Chiefs Council following elections in August last year that saw Mtshana Khumalo of Matabeleland North taking over the mantle.

While reasons for Charumbira’s removal from the PAP presidency have not been stated, by-elections to replace him and his fourth Vice President Francois Ango Ndoutoume of Gabon will be held on a date yet to be announced, according to the secretariat.

“Following the decision of the Bureau of the Pan African Parliament at its Meeting held on the 11th of January 2024 on the By-elections of Bureau Members for vacant positions, and in accordance with the PAP Rules of Procedure, the Protocol to the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community Relating to the Pan African Parliament, and the Directives of the Bureau on By-elections, I hereby officially announce as follows:

“I declare the position of the President, the 1st Vice President, and the 4th Vice President vacant.

“21 February 2024, a virtual online regional caucus meeting will be held for nomination of candidates,” the PAP’s Clerk said.

Charumbira served as the President of the Zimbabwe Chiefs Council from 2013 until elections in 2023 propelled Mtshana to the presidency with Charumbira being elected deputy.

Both are members of the Senate.

PAP, last week, held a virtual session to discuss the election modalities for filling vacant positions in the Bureau, including the President, 1st Vice President, and 4th Vice President.

During his opening remarks, Ashebir W. Gayo, Acting President of the PAP, reiterated the leadership's dedication to returning to normalcy through by-elections that consider the interests of the Parliament, the African Union and the citizens of the continent.