By Zivanai Dhewa

Movement for Democratic Change Alliance (MDC A) leader, Nelson Chamisa’s dictatorial tendencies continue to widen cracks within his party ahead of the congress whose date remains contested.

Different organisations aligned to the MDC-A have castigated Chamisa’s growing tyranny and total disregard for the party’s constitution.

To add its voice to the chorus of those chastising Chamisa’s despotism is the Veterans Activists Association (VAA) which has recently come out demanding that Chamisa respect the party constitution and hold their congress in February 2019. The MDC A leader has indicated that the congress will be held at the end of October or beginning of November next year.

The veteran lawyer and that party’s secretary general, Douglas Mwonzora has been leading a group that was pushing for the elective congress to be held in February. Insiders say Mwonzora, who is widely expected to challenge Chamisa for the presidency, is likely to face the axe. Sources privy to the development said Mwonzora was facing pressure to drop his plan to challenge Chamisa lest he face expulsion.

In a move which signal that Mwonzora has succumbed to pressure, he recently stated that the Congress is to be held at the beginning of October.

Factionalism in the MDC A party has grown to unprecedented levels with an indication that there could be fights at the said congress.  Last week MDC A co-Vice President Morgan Khomichi and Mwonzora presented conflicting statement at a rally in Mutoko.

Mwonzora announced that under their party constitution all posts were open to contestation, whereas Khomichi declared that Chamisa is not to be contested.

VAA has threatened that they will not fold their hands while Chamisa unilaterally change the constitution and do as he pleases. They have also made a declaration that there will be no expulsion of any member before the congress a move that has been construed as meant to protect Mwonzora and other presidential hopefuls.

The veterans have categorically called for Chamisa’s term to end in February according to the National Council resolutions.

The VAA was set up around 2014 to look into the affairs of political victims within the party following disturbing events of individuals who appeared bent on destroying the party through undemocratic means. It would appear that VAA has resurfaced following Chamisa’s increased disregard for democracy and refusal to stick to the party constitution.