via New name for MDC breakaways 26 November 2014 by Paidamoyo Muzulu
THE two MDC breakaway formations led by Welshman Ncube and Tendai Biti will from today operate under a new name — Democratic Union (UD) — until they hold their inaugural joint elective congress next year, NewsDay can reveal.
The formations have been holding reunification meetings since October as the parties restructure ahead of the 2018 polls pursuant to the opposition’s dismal performance in last year’s general elections.
The new name is contained in the Reunification Agreement that will be signed today at Old Georgians Sports Club at a joint sitting of the formations’ national executive committees.
“Subject to the new constitution which will be adopted by the reunification congress, the United Movement for Democratic Change (UMDC) shall be known as the Democratic Union (UD),” clause 6.1 of the agreement says.
The new party will in the interim be led jointly by the leadership of the founding parties, Ncube and a nominee of the Renewal Team.
This is the first reunification of formations that split from the original MDC founded in 1999.
Since its formation the party split twice in 2005 and 2014 over policy disagreements among the top leadership.
COMMENTS
This is another welcome move. We are tired of all these partys with the same name.
At least each is going to stand on its owm, no dilution and confusion among the voters.This is a welcome move.If the MDC has digressed from its founding values, then we will see.MDC will be stronger than before.This gives us a chance for renewal team to look into their own movement, leaving MDC alone with its own affairs.But already there is a question as to who will lead.Biti or Ncube? Politics goes beyond the analysis of law and targeting tribal votes.As for Ncube, he needs to garner support in Matebeleland, then Mashonaland.Biti needs o work out on his public address as he can hardly address the common masses in their vernacular.
Mugabe , though a dictator was a master of rhetoric, who could force even opposition to cheer his speeches.As it stands, the political arena remains Morgan vs Robert, unless dramatic anointment is spilt on the heads of other fellows
Welcome move. No more mud slinging just get on with the job chaps and get rid of this evil regime and kick start the economy PLEASE!!!!
Union Democratic is short for UD while DU is democractic union. Confusion starting so early is an indicator of sad things ahead. Two consitutional lawyers, secretary generals we expect fireworks
Let us pray that this party leads us to somewhere. Zanu has infiltrated every corner of our nation getting rid of them will be hard. This party we hope must not be party to Zanu corruption that is if it is not already.
The people want freedom only. What is so wrong with that. Give it to them if you can UD.
Its good that they have come up with their own name. That way they can forge their own identity and be an active participant in the Zimbabwe political scene.
Ngavasiyane nema symbols e MDC-T . I saw one on their bunners avanga vakaisa mberi kwavo…
Ngavasiyane nema symbols eMDC-T
If ever there was a time to present a united opposition front it is now!! ZANU is fragmented and probably the weakest it has ever been. I believe one of the main objectives for all parties is to look at coalition strategies and look at areas where we all agree and to fight together in these areas. Agree to disagree. Disagreement is not such a bad thing if treated properly and with respect. Lets not disagree just for the sake of disagreeing! The Opposition should focus on the defeat of a common enemy whether that be ZANU as a whole or stuff like corruption, poverty etc. UNITY!!