By Chief Reporter

The issue of talks between the MDC and Zanu PF has divided the former’s National Standing Committee with one faction being led by that party leader, Nelson Chamisa putting a lot of conditions for the talks to take place, which the rival faction has described as ‘over ambitious’ and ‘unreasonable.’

A source privy to that party’s high echelons stressed that the issue of talks is dominating that party’s narrative.

“The issue of talks has been the bone of contention within the party leadership with the National Standing Committee unable to agree on the way forward.

“The group advocating for a hard line stance on the issue of sanctions include (Chalton) Hwende (Secretary General); (Luke) Tamborinyoka (Deputy Secretary for Information and Publicity), (Job) Sikhala (Deputy National Chairperson) and others while (Tendai) Biti (co-Vice President) is not making clear of his position. (Thabitha) Khumalo (National Chairperson), (Daniel) Molokele (Secretary for Information and Publicity), (Innocent) Gonese, (Lilian) Timveous form part of those who are moderate on the issue,” the source revealed.

The source also revealed that former Secretary General, Douglas Mwonzora and former Treasurer General, Theresa Makoni were pushing for dialogue outside the factions.

During a National Standing Committee held recently, members implored on Chamisa and his team to reconsider their stance on dialogue, highlighting pressure from the party’s benefactors and the electorate.

“We need to reconsider our position on dialogue and be reasonable in our demands, people are suffering, especially our voters in urban areas and the Provincial Organising secretaries have reported that it’s now difficult to operate in the provinces as more and more people are now appealing for dialogue,” she said.

The source also revealed that Chamisa and the hardliners are arguing that if that party holds out, the ailing economy, the crisis in the health sector and the civil unrest should tilt the dialogue in their favour and hand them the bargaining power.

The source also revealed that the hardliners are encouraging the party to initiate the ‘final push’ which include nationwide protests which they hope will result in violence and possible bloodshed to push Zanu PF to give in to their demands.