by Innocent Mujeri
A faction within the MDC-Alliance is planning to pass a vote of no confidence in their leader, Nelson Chamisa on allegations of gross incompetence, lack of political strategy and dictatorial tendencies.
A source who spoke to this publication said a petition for the removal of Chamisa as the party leader was expected to be circulated for members’ signatures anytime this week.
“There is a lot of frustration and anger within the party. This (the signing of the petition) is a route that we have chosen to demonstrate our feelings to the party leadership about Chamisa’s governance. It’s clear that we are not going anywhere with Chamisa as he has failed to show leadership on many occasions.
“Leading a party like the MDC is proving to be a daunting task for him. I hope by the end of this week, all members would have signed the petition for him be removed from the office of president,” said the source.
Another MDC-Alliance member said it was high time Chamisa be replaced by a mature leader who can steer the party to electoral victory in 2023.
“What we need is a new leader who can provide political direction for the party. We no longer feel that Chamisa is the right person to continue as president as he lacks political stamina. The party now needs a mature leader who can deliver victory for us come 2023. I will support the petition to remove him because we want to save the party from its imminent death,” said the source.
A former Harare legislator who was recently recalled from parliament had no kind words for Chamisa. He described Chamisa as an “egocentric leader with no capacity to turn the fortunes of the MDC-Alliance.”
“I expected Chamisa to stand with us when we were recalled from parliament, but apart from words of comfort, he didn’t do much for us. Instead he has said that primary elections are going to be held in our former constituencies to choose a candidate who will represent the party in the coming by-elections,” said the former law maker.
He added, “We were thinking that Chamisa will exempt us from going through the primaries. My love for Chamisa has waned because of this and if there is a motion to pass a vote of no confidence in him, I will gladly support it.”
However, the MDC-Alliance Spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said at no point had the party resolved to pass a vote of no confidence in Chamisa. She further said those who were not happy with Chamisa’s leadership style were free to form their own political parties or join other parties.
There had been leadership wrangles within the MDC-Alliance as one faction is backing Tendai Biti presidential bid. In August this year, Biti himself said he would run for the country’s top job with or without the MDC-Alliance, an indication of his lack of belief in Chamisa.
