THE Nelson Chamisa-led MDC is divided over the expulsion of
its members that took part in the July 30 elections as independent candidates
amid revelations that secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora was given a seven-day
ultimatum to implement the party’s resolutions.
After the elections, the party resolved to expel all those
who stood as independent candidates along with everyone who campaigned for
them.
MDC chairperson Tabitha Khumalo recently wrote to Mwonzora
on October 4 giving him a seven-day ultimatum to implement the resolutions of
the national council regarding the expulsions.
“You will be aware that the national council at its sitting
on August 29, 2018 resolved that all those who contested as independent
candidates together with those who supported them automatically expelled
themselves from the party,” Khumalo’s letter read.
“As the custodian of the party and other communication of
the party, you are kindly requested to write to all those independent
candidates and those who supported them in line with this extant national
council resolution.
“This must be done within seven days from receiving this
letter.”
But, Mwonzora on October 12 appeared to be defying the
directive after he wrote to provincial, district and ward chairpersons asking
those affected by the ban to present their cases.
“Please note that those people who stood as independent
candidates, but feel that there is no justification in their expulsion must
make their representation to the national chairperson in writing immediately,”
he wrote.
“Further, regarding all those people who are alleged to
have supported independent candidates, no expulsion should take place unless
those people have been formally charged and disciplinary hearings held at all
appropriate levels.
“By copy of this letter, the purported dismissal of any
members for allegedly supporting independent candidates is set aside and all
people are automatically reinstated.”
Mwonzora refused to comment on the issue saying it was an
internal matter while Khumalo said she was out of Harare and was not able to
speak about the issue
MDC spokesperson Jacob Mafume said those who contested as
independent candidates remain expelled.
There have been reports of a leadership wrangle pitting
Chamisa and Mwonozora, but the two deny the allegations. Standard
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