Source: Confusion in MDC over VPs’ roles – DailyNews Live
Maxwell Sibanda 22 January 2018
HARARE – The existence of multiple centres of power in the MDC occasioned
by Morgan Tsvangirai’s absence has worsening tensions in the country’s
largest opposition party.
Analysts warned this week that if Tsvangirai, the MDC leader, does not
step in to give direction to his lieutenants, the party may split for the
third time in 13 years.
They said the hullabaloo in the MDC may cost the party dearly at the
polls.
Zimbabwe goes for elections not later than July 31 this year at a time
when the MDC is divided along three factions led by its deputies – Nelson
Chamisa, Thokozani Khupe and Elias Mudzuri.
Tsvangirai is currently in South Africa for his routine check-up as he is
battling cancer of the colon, diagnosed in 2016.
In his absence, he appointed Mudzuri as the party’s acting president while
Chamisa is his point man in the MDC Alliance – a coalition of seven
political parties.
Mudzuri and Chamisa are, however, not as experienced as Khupe who has been
Tsvangirai’s deputy since 2006.
While the other two deputies were only appointed to their positions in
2016, they seem to command more influence in the party than Khupe who has
been a pain in Tsvangirai’s backside due to their differences on the MDC
Alliance.
The political gamesmanship being orchestrated by Tsvangirai’s deputies who
are plotting to succeed the former trade unionist in the event that he is
unable to continue in his position due to ill-health have poisoned the
environment in the MDC.
The lack of a clear successor in the party is also creating confusion over
who among Tsvangirai’s three deputies can succeed him.
Political analysts canvassed by the Daily News said Tsvangirai should not
have split his duties among two deputies as that has created two centres
of power.
Social commentator, Rejoice Ngwenya, said the confusion in the MDC was a
matter of personality rather than substance.
“Khupe has already expressed displeasure with both theAlliance and the two
VPs, so she merely benefits and exploits the confusion. My take is that
for the good of our opposition, these three should just tolerate each
other so that the alliance brand maintains integrity and longevity,” said
Ngwenya.
Ngwenya said the MDC conference of 2014 vested absolute authority in
Tsvangirai to choose party deputies of his choice. That alone, removes any
doubts about the legitimacy of Chamisa and Mudzuri as Tsvangirai’s
deputies since they were appointed in line with the party’s constitution.
“Now, there is a world of difference between party business and Alliance
business. Therefore ordinarily, there should not be confusion between
Chamisa’s role as the Alliance’s representative and Mudzuri’s role as
acting president,” said Ngwenya.
“However, since Tsvangirai was already playing this conflated role as both
Alliance principal and president, it would have been, but not necessarily
exclusive, better that he left these tasks to one person”.
Political analyst, Maxwell Saungweme, said Tsvangirai went for a
convoluted structure because he did not want to appear to be anointing any
of the three VPs.
“To address this (confusion) he should just throw the issue to the
stockholders of the party at an extra ordinary congress and allow them to
elect their leader. The set-up he left creates conspiracy theories, power
struggles and factionalism,” said Saungweme.
Crisis Coalition spokesperson, Tabani Moyo, said the opposition was
getting it wrong adding that what they need right now is to find the best
electoral proposition to challenge Zanu PF on, having defined it in clear
terms, then settle for the person with the best of abilities to pursue
such a value proposition.
“It’s a waste of time in my view to say who is better between this and
that without defining the narrative or framework within which defines the
trait of the person to best push it forward.
“The elections are in five months, and the opposition is yet to engage the
nation on its alternatives to the ruling party.
“If it can’t define such simple mechanisms, the big question is: does it
have what it takes to be the government in waiting? Zimbabwe deserves
better than the current child’s play,” said Moyo.
Moyo said Zimbabwe needs a vibrant opposition to keep the ruling party in
checks and strengthen the country’s democracy.
Human rights activist Dewa Mavhinga believes the elephant in the room for
the MDC at the moment was the question of timing to deal with the
Tsvangirai succession issue, and an appropriate democratic and party
constitution guided procedure, and not necessarily the allocation of roles
and duties between Mudzuri, Khupe, and Chamisa.
“It will be critical, when the time comes, for the MDC to follow an open
process that gives a fair chance to all eligible candidates who may wish
to succeed Tsvangirai.
“With 2018 national elections said to be in about five months, the timing
of the process is crucial to allow the opposition to rally being one
candidate acceptable to all,” said Mavhinga.
COMMENTS
I think Mnangagwa is safely perched up there but wouldn’t want a walkover scenario. It invites complacency and arrogance of power. Let me give Chamisa some free advice.Mfana be an all rounder. Religious talk has its audience (few of them in politics) and time. Funny attire like Kanda Bongo mans or Bhero Mukadota hats and coloured shirts don’t portray a sophisticated dude. Politics is a seduction or courtship game in a larger way. The electorate is a woman you have to win and maintain. Plain colour shirts like whites or plain blue, red ties etc are more presidential and dudish. Check out young Austrian, French leaders etc.