Chamisa poised for secretary general

via Chamisa poised for secretary general 25/09/2014

FAST rising MDC-T politician Nelson Chamisa is poised to snatch the coveted secretary general post ahead of Douglas Mwonzora, another party hopeful, after the MDC’s Harare and Chitungwiza provinces nominated him for the job.

But the Kuwadzana East MP tried to play the issue down when reached for comment, saying nominations were part of the party’s democratic rituals which were far from the actual election process.

The mainstream MDC led by founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai is readying for its elective congress end of October, with few surprises expected in terms of top leadership redeployments.

While Tsvangirai, his deputy Thokozani Khupe and national chairman Lovemore Moyo look certain to keep their jobs, atleast according to the nominations so far, the question of who would fill up the vacant secretary general post provides all the intrigue.

This is after Chamisa and Mwonzora both staked up a claim for the job not so long after Tendai Biti, who held the post, quit with a group of disgruntled politicians early this year to form the MDC Renewal Team.

Chamisa was nominated for secretary general by the MDC-T’s Harare and Chitungwiza provinces this week, giving a clear signal as to where the pendulum was tilting between the two ambitious politicians.

“So that’s where we are and so far MDC leaders in Harare and Chitungwiza provinces have indicated where they would prefer to see myself deployed as much as they would also indicate where they would want to see other leaders deployed.”

He added: “It’s a nomination and a nomination comes from the members … people from other provinces may decide they would want to see other people in those positions.”

Meanwhile, according to nominations from the two provinces so far, Tsvangirai, Khupe and Moyo will likely keep their current posts.

Harare province recommended Paurina Mpariwa for deputy secretary general while Chitungwiza’s choice for the post was Tapiwa Mashakada.

For national treasurer general, Harare wants current women’s assembly chair Theresa Makone deputised by Mashakada, while Chitungwiza wants the post for James Makore, a member of the party’s Guardian Council to occupy the post.

Mkoba MP Amos Chibaya was nominated for party organising secretary by Harare, a post which Chitungwiza wants for Murisi Zvizwai.

Current deputy organising secretary Abednico Bhebhe’s name was suggested by Harare for the same post. However, Chitungwiza is not yet fully decided on who between Bhebhe and Job Sikhala should take the post after the two were tied on votes.

Mwonzora was nominated by both provinces to remain with Information and Publicity while Harare wants Thabitha Khumalo as deputy with Chitungwiza preferring Obert Gutu for the post.