MDC factions to end rivalry, choose one presidential candidate?

Both MDC factions’ secretary-generals confirmed to CAJ News in separate interviews that the two formations had indeed begun consultations on there-unification process whose delay, according to analysts, would only enhance Zanu PF’s chances of remaining in power. Prof. Welshman Ncube and his counterpart at the main faction of the MDC Tsvangirai, Tendai Biti, confirmed the positive developments of the talks. The consultations come amid reports that sitting MPs from either formations are agitating for automatic retention, arguing that they would not have finished their terms of office. They are also reportedly proposing that new aspiring legislators contest in the newly established constituencies instead of standing against them in party primaries. It has also emerged that former MPs Evelyn Masaiti, Hilda Mafudze and fellow perty members Theresa Makone and Solomon Madzore are seeking new constituencies in urban centres where they intend to contest against incumbent MP’s in Dzivarasekwa, Chitungwiza and Kambuzuma and Harare North respectively where they expect to unseat incumbent fellow MDC legislators. ” We had already started choosing candidates for the legislative polls in our formation, but after being approached by our counterparts on the need to have a single presidential candidate, we are now consulting our members. ” We should come up with a date for the formal meeting as well as the delegates who will attend the meeting,” he said.Biti also confirmed that the same process was taking place in his formation.” Yes, we are consulting our members on the issue before we meet formally,” he said, without elaborating much on the issue.Ncube said it was every member’s democratic right to contest as long as they were chosen through party structures in terms of the constitution of the party. ” The respective district assemblies, comprising the youth, women’s and main wing of the party must sit together and choose candidates through secret ballot. The winning candidates must get two thirds majority. That’s the rule. That is what is in our constitution and we must abide by it,” he said. The re-unification of the two formations has hit snags in the past following differences on how candidates would be chosen and this has continued to weaken the opposition. With only two moths before the March elections, concerned party members say the continued split will only ensure work in favour of Zanu PF. ” The MDC has never been the same after the split over the Senate reintroduction issue. Our party was strong and we are confused about what is happening within the party leadership. ” There is need for the party leaders to resolve this crisis once and for all,” said a grassroots member, who said he was not on either side of the formations- CAJ News.