HARARE http://www.authenticnationalspro.com/customized/ , Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Saturday said he will not choose a successor as that would go against his ruling ZANU-PF party's constitution.
Addressing the eighth provincial youth interface rally in Bindura, the president said it was the responsibility of the party to choose his successor.
"We have never had our presidential system proceed unguided by the rules of the party. As the President, I can not just decide now to say I am appointing either my wife, Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa or Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko as my successor. It's contrary to the party constitution. I can not do it. It's not allowed," Mugabe said.
His comments came after his wife Grace two months ago challenged him to name a successor to help tame current intense infighting in his party over his succession.
Mugabe said the party congress http://www.authenticnationalspro.com/ , held every five years, was mandated with the responsibility of choosing his successor. The next ZANU-PF congress is due in 2019.
He said that as a trained lawyer, he can not afford to violate party rules.
"I have to follow party regulations very strictly. I will not appoint my wife as successor," he said.
The Zimbabwean First Lady has gained political influence in recent years and currently chairs ZANU-PF's women's wing. This has led some to speculate that she may harbor ambitions for the presidency.