By Shongedzai Mugwagwa
Factionalism within the MDC continue to raise its ugly head as manifested recently in a crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House which was snubbed by a number of the party bigwigs, the Harare Post exclusively reports.
The big wigs never gave apologies as per the party protocol.
The Harare Post has it on good authority that among the bigwigs who snubbed the meeting is National Treasurer General, Theresa Makone, Secretary for Elections, Murisi Zwizwai and Deputy Information and Publicity secretary, Bhekimpilo Sibanda among others.
A source who attended the meeting told this publication that, party leader Nelson Chamisa was irked by the development to the extent that he threatened unspecified actions against the bigwigs.
The source added that Chamisa noted with disgust the dirty tactics being employed by some members whom he said were still holding the 2014 grudges.
The source said that Chamisa urged party members to drop personal vendettas at the expense of party affairs.
“Chamisa said that he was aware that some people were still holding grudges against each other emanating from the 2014 congress,” said the source.
Apparently, the source confided with this publication that it is Chamisa holding a grudge with party Secretary General, Douglas Mwonzora after he (Chamisa) was defeated for the secretary general’s post in the 2014 congress.
In the same NEC meeting, the issue of Chamisa meddling in the lower congress was raised and in his defence, Chamisa threatened members whom he is accusing of trying to invalidate the provincial congress results.
Chamisa declared that the process was free and fair and he added that there was nothing wrong in him attending the lower congress. He said that his predecessor, Morgan Tsvangirai did the same.
Another indicator of widening factional wars in the MDC was shown when the meeting put in motion the issue of reserving one of the Vice President’s post for a woman. On the movers’ side for the motion were Blessing Chebundo and Dr Ruth Mabonde.
Ironically, on the opposing side was Lilian Timveos who argued that no one was special in the party but rather members should qualify on merit. The debate carried much weight of the meeting’s deliberations with many ending up supporting Timveous.
However, Chamisa unilaterally declared the following day during the National Council meeting that the one Vice President’s post would be reserved for a woman. He declared that the topic was not for discussion.
Eight party heavy weights have been nominated to deputise Chamisa, namely; Welshaman Ncube, Elias Mudzuri, Morgan Komichi, Tendai Biti, Lilian Timveos, Lynet Karenyi-Kore, Paurina Mpariwa and Tracy Mutinhiri.
It is now dog eat dog in the party for those angling to deputise Chamisa.
