THE MDC leadership will today square off at the national
council meeting where a faction linked to party leader Nelson Chamisa is
reportedly trying to embarrass secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora, who is
allegedly plotting to challenge him for the presidency at the upcoming
congress.
Mwonzora has denied that he is eyeing the post in several
interviews with NewsDay.
On the other hand, Chamisa’s supporters are actively
ring-fencing his position, fearing that Mwonzora could challenge him and want
his wings clipped before the congress.
According to sources, Mwonzora will be charged with
indiscipline and undermining the party leadership with hope of recalling him
from Senate and subsequently weakening him. However, according to insiders,
there is likely going to be strong opposition to the Mwonzora push as some
members say it would not be strategic, particularly at a time when the party
needs unity of purpose.
Party spokesperson Jacob Mafume said they could discuss the
issue of discipline at today’s national council, but said it will be the
prerogative of the chairperson to zero down on the national leadership, if at all
there is a case against them.
“The issues of discipline in a big party as ours are always
a standing order item. Specifics of the item will depend on the reports of
various organs that are tasked with dealing with discipline, particularly the
national chairperson’s office,” Mafume said.
According to sources, Mwonzora’s accusers were working on a
constitutional clause that says the national council has the power to remove
any member if there was secondment from a two-thirds majority.
“The standing committee will hint on his disciplinary
action and will resolve to take the matter to the national council. Already
there is a crack team in the national council that will second the motion and
will anonymously agree to deal with Mwonzora. Those people are there and they
are known,” a standing committee member who refused to be named, said.
“They want to remove him as soon as possible and replace
him with Giles Mutsekwa. To them, it will be a done deal and he will not
resurrect at congress. However, the main problem is that Mwonzora himself seems
to be playing to the gallery and there are many people sent to ensure that he
is caught offside.
“He must at least stop mobilising at the moment because
surely those people want him out. However, this will not be good for the party
at all and a number of level-headed people will try to stop it. The only
problem is that the environment at Harvest House (Morgan Tsvangirai House)
doesn’t have room for that.”
Mwonzora and vice-president Elias Mudzuri are accused of
undermining the party leadership by going to apologise to Chief Justice Luke
Malaba who was jeered by opposition MPs. Newsday
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