SIMBA RUSHWAYA/ CHENGETAI ZVAUYA
The MDC Alliance deputy president Morgen Komichi has said party leader Nelson Chamisa will be challenged at the party’s congress slated for October next year, paving the way for a potential bruising battle between Chamisa and his long-time nemesis, Douglas Mwonzora.
This comes as there have been vehement voices raised against Chamisa being challenged for the leadership position at the congress because he is alleged to have been “anointed” by the party’s former leader, the late Morgan Tsvangirai before he died in February this year.
The current manoeuvrings follow attempts by Chamisa’s allies to ringfence his position ahead of the congress. But this has been met by fierce criticism, especially from Pedzisai Ruhanya, director of the Zimbabwe Democracy Institute, who is at the forefront in shooting down the idea.
“Nelson Chamisa should not listen to misguided bootlickers who suggest that he should not be contested at the party congress. It’s nonsense. The MDC is not a monarchy!” Ruhanya tweeted after the developments in the opposition alliance came to light.
However, Komichi suggested this week that Chamisa was open to a challenge. Other sources told Business Times that Mwonzora was eyeing the top post at the congress, buoyed by his landslide victory at the 2014 congress where he trounced Chamisa for the secretary-general position.
Komichi said: “We are a democratic party that follows democratic principles and any party member can be challenged for his or her post in the elections. The party leadership position is open for an election challenge at the congress which will be held in October next year.”
“All posts will be contested, including the position of President Nelson Chamisa. In fact, Chamisa is looking forward to be challenged at the congress by anyone who dares.”
