By Christopher Makaza
As the MDC elective congress draws closer, the party’s Masvingo Provincial Executive Council (PEC) has begun jostling for positions, featuring pro party leader, Nelson Chamisa and the party Secretary General, Douglas Mwonzora sympathisers.
Masvingo is one of the few provinces dominated by pro-Mwonzora supporters.
Tongai Matutu is one of the people vying for the Masvingo Provincial Chairmanship, contesting the current chairperson, James Gumbi who is pro-Chamisa. Matutu is backed by former Gutu Central Legislator, Mwaramwidze Hamandishe, former Masvingo Central Legislator, Jefryson Chitando, former Legislators Oliver Chirume (Gutu Cenhtral), Heya Shoko (Bikita West), Enerst Mudavanhu (Zaka North), former Provincial Chair, Wilstaff Sitimere and Provincial Secretary for elections Boaz Manyame among others.
Matuku`s team claims that the current leadership led by James Gumbi failed to mobilise for the party`s support during the 2018 harmonised election and that Sitemere during his tenure in office managed to perform much better than Gumbi.
It is alleged that there are attempts within the party to manipulate party structures to ring fence Chamisa’s position and the current leaders. It is also alleged that the team wants to consider 2014 structures at the congress. Gumbi is accused of being a dictator in the province.
In Mashonaland West province, the current Provincial Chairperson Ralph Magunje who is pro Chamisa will face the party`s Provincial Organising Secretary, Wilson Makanyaire for the Provincial chairmanship. Makanyaire is allegedly supporting Mwonzora.
Meanwhile Mashonaland East province is threatening not to follow the party`s guidelines and templates for congress citing loopholes for bribery and manipulation.
There are reports that the MDC Provincial Executive Councils (PEC) in most provinces across the country are barring members aligned to MDC Vice President, Elias Mudzuri and Secretary General, Douglas Mwonzora from attending meetings and removing them from structures in a bid to ring-fence Chamisa ahead of the congress.
Some months ago during a Bulawayo PEC meeting, several members allegedly aligned to Mudzuri and Mwonzora were barred from attending a meeting that was meant to nominate candidates for the by-election for local authorities in Bulawayo.
Similarly in Chinhoyi, the party`s Mashonaland West Provincial Chairman, Ralph Magunje ejected Chegutu West District Assembly Organising Secretary, Trymore Zhanda and District Secretary, Thomas Mahachi for allegedly supporting Mudzuri.
