By Staff Reporter
MDC-Alliance Vice President, Tendai Biti is gaining momentum in the race to take control of that party’s presidency following several of its Members of Parliament (MPs) mostly aligned to Nelson Chamisa being recalled from the August House, by the legitimate MDC-T leader Dr Thokozani Khupe.
The recall of most MDC A MPs has weakened Chamisa’s hold on power giving Biti and impetus to vie for position of leader of that party, citing his seat in Parliament and the ability to influence decisions from within, something that Chamisa lacks.
Biti’s seat in Parliament and his alliance with firebrand MDC A Vice Chairperson, Job Sikhala seem to have strengthened his Political ambition to become president of that party.
Political Analysts who spoke to the Harare on condition of anonymity hinted that Biti was at an advantage to lead the MDC compared to Chamisa.
“Biti is in parliament hence he is in control. He has the power to contribute to debates and influence policy formulation.
“Chamisa on the other hand is paralyzed, he is dismembered, has no office and also his cronies are not in parliament. He is controlling nothing,” said the analyst.
Another analyst said Biti has always been keen to lead the MDC.
“Biti is power hungry in general. Knowing him the way I do, he is already taking advantage of being the senior MDC-Alliance member in parliament to consolidate his power within the opposition ranks. Chamisa cannot beat Biti in this game,” the Analyst said.
Commenting on the same issue another political analyst said Biti was more popular than Chamisa.
“The truth of the matter is that, Biti is more popular with supporters than Chamisa. Even if the MDC is to go for any free and fair elective congress, Biti can take over the presidency of their party any day.
“Biti holds the money in that party, he is very popular with supporters because of it and also that he is eloquent, brave and even more learned than Chamisa. Chamisa is a coward that’s why he has not participated in any demonstrations to date,” said the Analyst.
Sources within the MDC told this publication that it has always been Biti who has come up with strategies and idea to fund their party, they even mentioned Biti’s links with the United State of America, and how he is their blue eyed boy.
