MDC-T chefs in suspense

Nelson Chamisa running for the Secretary General post.

THE Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T)’s highest decision-making body, the National Council, meets in Harare this morning to decide on double nominations whereby certain of its officials were selected to run for two positions. Among those affected by the double nominations is party spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora, who is torn between running for the secretary-general post or defending his current position.

Two other top officials, acting secretary-general, Tapiwa Mashakada; and Harare provincial spokesman, Obert Gutu, were also nominated for two positions each. Gutu was nominated for both the positions of secretary and deputy-secretary for information and publicity while Mashakada was nominated for the deputy secretary general and treasurer-general positions.

The National Council gave Mwonzora an ultimatum to decide between the two nominations but the MDC-T spokesperson has decided to keep his options open. Mwonzora said he was considering running for both positions. There is however, debate whether the party’s constitution provides for aspiring candidates to run for two positions. While there are those who are arguing that the MDC-T’s governing charter is silent on the issue, others say a member cannot run for more than one position.

While confirming today’s National Council meeting, Mwonzora said it was up to the organ to give direction to members. “The National Council will decide whether a person can contest for two or more positions at congress. The constitution does not say anything about it,” he said.

Mwonzora also confirmed he was in a dilemma. “I am unable to make that choice because it is the people who nominated me. I did not nominate myself so unless the people withdraw that nomination, I will stand for both positions. I refuse to usurp the rights of the people,” he said.

“I noticed that I was being pushed into a rushed decision by some people with direct interests in the decision I would make. I was drawn into a moral dilemma where I was asked to rescind the decision of the people and I cannot fall for that.” Asked what he would do in the event that that the National Council directs him to run for a position he does not want, Mwonzora said: “I will advise them.”

Gutu told the Financial Gazette that he was monitoring developments before he could make up his mind. “For now, I can say I will contest for the position of secretary for information and publicity but nothing is cast in stone as yet. A day in politics can be a century,” Gutu said.

Gutu seem to be hoping that Mwonzora would run for secretary-general so he would scoop the spokesman’s position unopposed given that it is only him and Mwonzora who were nominated for the position. “This is why he (Gutu) has decided to leave it open. He knows very well that if Mwonzora decides to run for his current position, he cannot compete with him so I think everything for him will now depend on what Mwonzora decides,” said a senior MDC-T member.

Should Gutu decide to go a step down, he still would face competition from the immensely popular Tabitha Khumalo. While Mashakada could not be reached for comment, sources said he was yet undecided. The National Council, which meets ahead of the MDC-T’s elective congress later today, will also deal with the confusion rocking the party in the aftermath of the controversial provincial elections.

Those who failed to garner nominations into national leadership positions have been teaming up to form parallel structures to enable them to force their way into congress.  The congress starts with the Youth Assembly conference while the Women’s Assembly will convene its conference tomorrow.

The main congress is slated for Saturday where elections for the national leadership will be held.  The conflict between newly-elected Bulawayo provincial chair, Gift Banda and losing candidate, Matson Hlalo, could add to the turmoil in the MDC-T. The High Court recently nullified Banda’s election after Hlalo filed an urgent High Court application, effectively barring Banda from assuming office. It is still not clear who between them would be eligible to attend the congress.

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