Third force on the cards?

n Tsvangirai’s position of supporting the bill is understood to have started deliberating with civic society leaders over the possibility of forming a new political party.
Senior officials within Tsvangirai’s party say the contentious issue of adopting the amendment and concurring with Zanu (PF) was not adequately solved by the time it passed through parliament on the 18th of last month.
“There was serious debate and it appeared the majority of party leaders were opposed to Tsvangirai’s position – which him and Tendai Biti only seemed to appreciate,” a source said. “We went to parliament and voted for it simply because it had been adopted as the party position, but some of us were totally opposed to it. It is true our colleagues in civil society approached us and suggested the formation of another party, but it has not gone far.”
This paper has it on good authority that Tsvangirai faced a torrid time persuading party leaders to support the amendment. The leadership held a fiery meeting at its headquarters, Harvest House, that lasted close to three hours before MPs went to the house of assembly.
Party spokesman Nelson Chamisa this week confirmed efforts to establish a Third Force but tried to downplay the role of members from his party. “People have the right to form political parties, including those in civil society but its not easy particularly now when we should be focussed on ending the crisis in this country. Any attempts at giving birth to another formation or party outside of the people’s movement, the MDC, will be futile,” he said. – Itai Dzamara