More defections expected

sing back to the main wing headed by Morgan Tsvangirai.
Efforts to obtain comment from leaders of the Mutambara faction were unsuccessful. But MDC (Tsvangirai) spokesman Nelson Chamisa said: “From our information, we are even expecting Mutambara himself to defect and only Welshman Ncube will remain in the faction.”
Senior officials currently on Mutambara’s side, who believe they stand a better chance of winning a parliamentary seat if they re-join the Tsvangirai faction, are reportedly trying to beat the election campaign launch set for September 9.
However, a storm is brewing following reports that some members of the Tsvangirai faction are voicing concern over the looming mass defections saying the returnees are cowards wanting to use the faction only to contest elections.
* Meanwhile, both parties say they will not participate in next year’s elections without a new constitution or the complete reform of the electorate framework.
“We are not going to compromise and participate in an election with predetermined results due to the lack of constitutional and electoral framework that establishes a level playing field,” said Nelson Chamisa for MDC (Tsvangirai).
Mutambara’s spokesman, Gabriel Chaibva said, “We have demanded the establishment of an electoral framework that guarantees equal participation of all parties and nothing short of that will be acceptable.”
Zanu (PF)’s secretary for administration, Didymus Mutasa said the ruling party would contest the elections “against those interested and we will not lose sleep over those who choose to boycott”. – Staff reporters