
Since the
announcement of the congress dates which is scheduled to take place from May
24-26 there has been mudslinging as party members coalesce around their
presidential candidates of choice and Mwonzora has found himself on the
receiving end as many view him as the potential candidate to contest Chamisa.
In a wide
ranging interview with Zim Morning Post, Mwonzora made it clear that internal
squabbles are building up in the party with some members exhibiting signs of
lack of maturity and failing to live up to the tenets of democracy.
“I have come to
the conclusion that not all those people who talk about democracy understand
what it is,” Mwonzora said.
As internal
squabbles gain momentum Mwonzora is being accused of being a Zanu PF agent
“because he is gunning for Chamisa’ position.”
“I have no idea
about Zanu PF’s interference with the MDC Alliance Congress, MDC Alliance has a
constitution that allows for people to contest for any positions,” said
Mwonzora.
In a candid
talk, Mwonzora rubbished the rhetoric that he is Zanu PF, and has dared his
competitors to prove their allegations. He explained his role in MDC Alliance
politics and pledged his commitment to the MDC Alliance struggle.
“I cannot be
Zanu PF because there is an MDC Alliance Congress,” he continued.
“I will be
contesting for my sixth position, not yet sure as to what position I will be
nominated to contest but will be eagerly waiting for my nomination,” said
Mwonzora.
Since joining
politics Mwonzora has contested for five posts which include being a district
officer for Nyanga, secretary for local government in Manicaland, parly
representative to the national council, party spokesperson and party secretary
general. Mwonzora gave Chamisa a run for his money to clinch the secretary
general post. The late leader Morgan Tsvangirai had to “smuggle” back Chamisa
into the presidium by appointing him a second vice president as he moved to
manage the succession wrangle that engulfed the opposition soon after the 2013
elections.
They don’t know
what democracy entails
Mwonzora
expressed disappointment as it came to light that some members of the party
lack the basic understanding of democracy, its tenets and principles.
In a hard
hitting blow to his detractors, Mwonzora said “the smear campaigns are from
competitors and people with no idea of what democracy entails, …I come to the
conclusion that not all those people who talk about democracy understand what
it is.”
However he
remains unfazed and determined. “I am unfazed by it and it won’t affect my
decision making matrix,” he added.
Prove your
allegations
Mwonzora
challenged top MDC Alliance officials who are leading the smear campaign
on various social media platforms to
prove the said allegations and has labelled them as “lost individuals.”
“I have seen
myself being a serious target of mudslinging by some party officials… I dare
them to say and prove their allegations before MDC Alliance membership…I
challenge them to prove the allegations that they continue to spew,” he added.
“Some are
writing from outside Zimbabwe where they are living large in the comfort of
their homes and safety. Some simply abandoned our youths in prisons and police
detention when we all thought we are in the struggle together,” Mwonzora said
adding: “The struggle is here in Zimbabwe.”
My history
speaks for itself
In an attempt
to distance himself from the allegations Mwonzora explained his involvement in
politics as a clear quest for democracy. His achievements and contributions
cannot go unnoticed as he played a part in drafting the current constitution.
“I am proud of
the role I played as my party deployed me in COPAC aimed at bringing about a
new constitution… I played my part in trying to bring electoral reforms in this
country, now we have BVR.. I was part of drafters of electoral parties code of
conduct which is now the law,” Mwonora
said.
Despite all
brickbats being thrown at him Mwonzora said: “I will continue to play my part
in the democratic struggle.”
Mwonzora joined
the treacherous Zimbabwean political landscape as far back as 1988 where he
fought against the former president Robert Mugabe’s one party state and managed
to get some prison time under his belt.
I joined the democratic struggle as far back
as 1988 where we fought as student leaders against the one party state.”
Mwonzora also
said he was in the trenches with the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions as its
legal advisor after graduating from the university. He also opined that he
joined the legal team that successfully challenged the constitutionality of the
political parties finance act resulting in opposition political parties getting
state funding. Zim Morning Post
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