ZANU-PF is just 'coming to observe' elections, says ANC's Ramaphosa

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) has hit back at calls for Zimbabwe’s ZANU-PF to be barred from aiding the governing party in the final stretch of its election campaign.

This comes after it emerged that the ANC had enlisted the help of the party as the May polls draw closer.

The move sparked criticism from opposition parties, who flagged concerns about claims of political intolerance and election rigging against the ZANU-PF.

But the ANC said that critics needed to draw a line between party and state, adding that it is the party’s prerogative to invite ZANU-PF.

Speaking on the sidelines of an election campaign in Tshwane on Friday, ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa said that an observer mission was not an interfering mission.

"It is just to come and see."

Ramaphosa called on parties to avoid fear-mongering.

"Those who are concerned about the participation of other parties, they are afraid and I don’t know what they are afraid of. There’s nothing to be afraid and concerned of because they are coming to observe."