MDC
secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora has declared null and void any suspensions
and expulsions made ahead of the party’s May elective congress.
This means the
structures put in place at the 2014 congress, at which he soundly beat party
leader Nelson Chamisa for the post of secretary-general and are seen as loyal
to him, will be the ones to chose the new leadership of the party.
The opposition
party hopes that the election of a new leadership would calm the discord which
has held sway since the death of founding president Morgan Tsvangirai in
February last year, which led to the rise of
Chamisa.
Mwonzora, who
is expected to challenge Chamisa for the position of party president, wrote to
all provincial, district and ward chairpersons amid allegations that there were
senior officials tampering with the structures to impose their preferred people
who will vote at the congress.
“Please, be
advised that the national standing committee has directed that after the
setting of main congress dates by the national council, no expulsion or
suspension of members shall be valid without the specific approval of the
standing committee,” the letter, dated March 21, reads.
He also
clarified the party’ position on members who stood as independent candidates,
that they are not eligible to contest, while those that supported them can
stand. In several constituencies, the party lost to Zanu PF after fielding
multiple candidates.
“Please,
further note that the only people disqualified from contesting congress
positions are, (a) those who stood as independents, (b) those who stood as
candidates for other political parties.
“Specifically,
it was ruled that those who allegedly supported independent candidates or other
candidates are not covered by this disqualification,” the letter, which was
copied to Chamisa, national chairperson Tabitha Khumalo and organising
secretary Amos Chibaya, added.
Canvassing for
support has reached fever pitch in the MDC, with the majority openly endorsing
Chamisa, although there is fear of another surprise victory for Mwonzora, who
will enter the race as an underdog.
Chibaya said
preparations for the congress were on course. “The branch congresses
have now been completed and the ward congresses in the 1 958 wards across the
country taking place this weekend. By Sunday, 24 March 2019, there will be
newly-elected ward executives across the length and breadth of Zimbabwe,” he
said.
“District congresses
are slated for March 29 to 31, while the provincial congresses will take place
from April 7 to 16, 2019, starting with Matabeleland South province.
“The process so
far has gone on peacefully and without incident. Notwithstanding misleading
Press reports of chaos, our congress is living true to the democratic culture
and character as encapsulated in chapter 4 of the MDC constitution.”
Chibaya said
the May 24 to 26 congress would prioritise “propositions and not positions”.
Newsday
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