Staff reporter

Economic Freedom Fighters leader, Julius Malema who had been initially invited by the MDC as the guest of honour at the recently held congress, snubbed the congress at the eleventh hour, citing confusion within the embattled party, the Harare Post has learnt.

The South African politician was prophetic as the MDC congress was characterised by chaos and electoral maladministration. A new faction led by the now Deputy leader, Tendai Biti, emerged at the congress after the party president, Nelson Chamisa attempted to elbow him out of the presidium following a growing mistrust between the two.

 Chamisa is alleged to have nicodemously campaigned against Biti whom he perceives as a power hungry lieutenant harbouring intentions to topple him later. Sources within the party said that when Biti got wind of Chamisa’s backbiting overtures, he confronted him demanding to know why he hates him notwithstanding the favours he had done to him.

Sources further revealed that Biti bought Chamisa, a lavish vehicle and installed state of the art security systems at his residence, among other favours.

The MDC had to frantically hunt for Malema’s replacement, settling for the little known politicians from the region. The MDC, the source said, had to extend a last minute invite to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga of Kenya, who also gave excuses. Odinga, the late MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai’s best friend, had to send his emissaries to grace the congress.

“Mr Odinga told Chamisa that he was not amused by a second thought invitation. He, however, sent his secretary general, Edwin Sifuna and one MP (Member of Parliament), Bob Owilo,” said the source.

The MDC also made a last minute invite to Ungadan opposition party, Power People’s Movement leader, Bob Wine.

The invited guests preached the gospel of antagonism with Wine inciting the MDC supporters to revolt against government.

Political analyst, Nesbert Munemo said Mr Chamisa had been bragging about meeting regional government leaders but failed to lure even one of them to his congress.

“Mr Chamisa is on record bragging about meeting presidents from the region and one would think one of them could be invited as guests. Instead, the obscure politicians have been invited and no value addition was put on the congress save for the rabble-rousing messages meant to cause mayhem in the country,” said Munemo.