THE MDC is proposing a number of changes at its forthcoming
elective congress to be held in Gweru next month, to ensure that power is
distributed equitably within the party.
Party secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora yesterday said the
congress must usher in a new, dynamic and robust leadership that is willing to
serve its members well and with respect. The congress is the first for the
party since the death of its founding father, Morgan Tsvangirai, who succumbed
to colon cancer early last year.
"For us to truly reflect a democratic outfit, it is
imperative that the 5th congress does not centralise a lot of power in the
president," Mwonzora said, adding that the party must also go beyond
tribal and gender lines to accommodate all progressive-minded people.
"We are also cognisant of the need to afford women and
youth opportunities to assume leadership positions. "In order to cover for
the disparities in gender and ethnic representation that might arise through
the democratic electoral process, it might be necessary for us to reserve
certain positions for the disadvantaged groups of our society.
"It is also key
that all the regions are represented at national leadership," Mwonzora
said. This comes as the MDC is conducting its nominations process ahead of the
congress, with Chamisa increasingly appearing as the favourite to become
Tsvangirai's substantive successor.
"As the secretary-general, I strongly believe in a
united, democratic, tolerant, and — above all — a disciplined party. "To
this end, there must be robust, nonviolent contestation in which people must
shake hands afterwards and allow the party to move forward with renewed
impetus. "Therefore, we look forward to a credible electoral process
leading to congress. The on-going congress electoral process must not be
reduced into a charade of candidate imposition as this will render the whole
intention of rejuvenating the MDC useless. "The will of the people at
grassroots must be respected," Mwonzora said.
He further said that the congress must also enable the
party to reflect on its weaknesses and strengths and set the tone for the 2023
elections. "A recent development where some elements within the party have
resorted to mudslinging and tarnishing others so as to discredit their candidature
is regrettable.
"The on-going violence and intimidation of members …
is a serious affront to the very tenets and democratic principles on which the
MDC was founded. These are acts of cowardice by people afraid of contestation.
"Our congress must not only be about elections, but must also be a
festival of ideas. As a party, we have gone through very difficult and
turbulent times in the past five years having lost our iconic leader ...
Tsvangirai and suffered a stolen victory in 2018.
"We must, therefore, come out of congress with a
renewed, reinvigorated and focused institution. This must reflect in the
resolutions that we adopt at the congress," Mwonzora said. Daily News
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