by Shongedzai Mugwagwa
The Supreme Court ruling over MDC’s legitimacy has opened a can of worms as it exposes widening rifts and fissures within the opposition party, as it grapples with interpretation of the judgement, the Harare Post can exclusively report.
The Supreme Court yesterday declared Nelson Chamisa an illegitimate leader of the opposition party thereby declaring his erstwhile nemesis, Dr Thokozani Khupe as the acting leader pending an Extraordinary Congress to be held in three months.
Battle lines have been drawn on the sand between the party’s old guard which comprises of former trade unionists and the young turks which is largely comprised of former student activists,
In light of the ruling, Morgen Komichi who reverts to his 2014 Congress outcome position as National Chairman, has nullified all suspensions and expulsions of all party members and activated all structures as per the 2014 party structures.
Therefore, the embattled Douglas Mwonzora bounced back as the party’s Secretary General to the disappointment of the young turks such as Obey Sithole, Gift Siziba, Daniel Molokele, Job Sikhala and Nelson Chamisa.
Internal rifts have shot through the ceiling that it is now dog eats dog in the party.
Embattled senior party member, Elias Mudzuri who is believed to have been cowed by Chamisa’s violent youths called for the party to unite and observe the rule of law. In that respect, the soft spoken Mudzuri appears to be siding with the ruling which puts Khupe on the helm of the party.
“The Supreme Court ruling is a chance for us to find one another. It is the opportunity to deal with the succession issue and to rise above personal egos and ambitions so we unite to win 2023,” tweeted Mudzuri on his Twitter handle.
Obert Gutu, who after the MDC 2014 Congress was appointed party Spokesperson, commenting on case judgement said that it was prudent for all the appellants and respondents to respect the judgement handed.
“There is one thing l like and enjoy about the practice of law. Law is logical. Law is commonsensical. Even adult entry lawyers should be able to appreciate that Law is logical and more importantly, that denigrating the Judiciary is a serious act of professional misconduct,” opined Gutu.
He further urged Chamisa and his supporters to do away with politics of populism and respect the judgement.
“They are running scared! They are angry and disillusioned! From day 1, some of us told them to strictly follow the party Constitution and stop behaving like drunken warlords. They are very long on populism but extremely short on strategy. They are heading nowhere very, very fast,” added Gutu.
However, on the other side, Chamisa’s loyalists are accusing Dr Khupe, Mwonzora and Komichi of having been allegedly paid by ZANU PF to destabilise MDC.
Youth leader, Obey Sithole jumped to the defence of his boss disassociating from the judgement.
“We will never allow the devil to snatch the Bible and take over the temple isu vatendi tiripo! Never! The leadership of a political party can never be determined by the courts, it is the responsibility of the people to do so. We did that in May 2019, Nelson Chamisa is our President,” he tweeted.
Sithole further added that the judgement was ineffectual and will never be respected by any party members.
“Court? Whose court, what court? Leadership comes from the Congress not Court,” he further tweeted.
Chamisa threatened unspecified action to all the party members who will side with Khupe and respect the judgement.
“Dictatorship never wins. Dictatorship always ultimately falls and so shall it be with all those who connive with it! The people always win and the people shall govern! Bigger after it all. Correctness never comes second best!
“People are the Supreme Court of all politics! Thank you Jesus for all the good people around us,” tweeted Chamisa.
Alleged WhatsApp messages belonging to the 2014 MDC Provincial Chairmen and respective structures have been posted on social media platforms by Charlton Hwende distancing themselves from siding with the judgement dictates.
The judgement has an effect on all Member of Parliament and Councillors who contested during the July 2018 general elections as their allegiance determines their future in politics.
An intriguing development is on the party finances and properties.
