Report by Philemon Jambaya and Nyashadzashe Ndoro
The Movement for Democratic Change Alliance is headed for a split, the Zim Morning Post has learnt.
This publication has it on good authority that a split is inevitable after fissures widened following irregularities in the party’s provincial congresses held across the country.
“A split is imminent and unavoidable, it is only a matter of confirmation and this might happen before or just after the sham congress which is slated for May 24,” said one senior member who refused to be named.
The MDC is currently running provincial congresses but however reports of violence and election rigging are rampant.
According to our sources, the main cause of discontent is the absence of an independent election body to superintend the elections rendering MDCA leader, Nelson Chamisa, the sole overseer like what transpired in Masvingo this week.
“When going for an elective congress, we appoint an independent election board which should supervise Provincial Congresses and this time we appointed Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions but unfortunately they were never given a chance to conduct these elections.”
“Here in Masvingo NC (Nelson Chamisa) himself presided over the elections, what a shame it was, he is a candidate and he decides to oversee the process,” said an MDC A Masvingo member.
However, Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union Secretary General Japhet Moyo distanced himself and his organisation from the ongoing MDC processes.
“I am shocked with the reports we are getting from the media, we as ZCTU, were never contacted about this election, in 2014 we ran the MDC elections, you cannot expect us to be part of the process which we were not invited,” said Moyo.
MDC Spokesperson Jacob Mafume said that his office was not responsible for issuing letters but they are other civic organisations like Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition who will run the party internal election.
“We have other partners who include Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalition among other organisations,” Mafume said.
However sources within Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition refuted Mafume’s claims.
“We have not yet received any communication from the MDC and we are not part of that process,” said a source who refused to be named.
Political Analysts John Muchenje said that all those irregularities and confusion will see the split of the MDC.
“I understand that there is violence and rigging is part of the MDC ahead of their national congress, I can tell you that those who are being victimised by Chamisa and his Vanguard will move on, they will form their own political party and this is irreversible, mark my words,” said Muchenje.
Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora who developed cold feet on gunning for presidential candidature is said to have been ‘forced’ and had to bow down to pressure and backed off.
There has been a countrywide purging of members suspected to be aligned to him.
In Masvingo, Chamisa vowed that his party will not split but hastened to point out that the door was open to those who wanted to leave- an indication that he is wary of possible desserters.