In separate interviews the two parties’ spokespersons confirmed that there have been discussions between senior leaders from both camps to form a coalition, which will see ZAPU backing Ncube for President.
The MDC-N Deputy Secretary for Media, Information and Publicity, Kurauone Chihwayi, confirmed that discussions were on-going. “It is something still in the pipeline,” he said. “One thing for sure is there has been mass movement of supporters from MDC-T, Zanu (PF) and Mavambo/Dawn/Kusile to our party.”
ZAPU spokesperson Mark Mbayiwa said discussions had taken place but nothing “put to paper so far”.
“What you have to understand is that leaders in ZAPU and MDC worked together before and they discuss these issues to find a common goal and how to conquer come elections. Our party has an open door policy to engage anyone willing to partner us,” he said.
Chihwayi said working with MDC-T in the coming election was unlikely, as the party had become untrustworthy – “it can indicate that it is turning left yet it will turn right”.
“In 2008 we formed a coalition with them and agreed that we will support Tsvangirai for presidency and that we will have our MPs stand alone in constituencies but the following day they changed. “They are selfish and greedy,” he added.
“The MDC President Ncube is the hottest presidential candidate inside Zimbabwe at the moment,” said Chihwayi.
MDC-T spokesperson, Douglas Mwonzora said his party would welcomes any prospective coalition that centred on democracy, and denied that his party cheated MDC-N in 2008.
“We are not in 2008 but 2012, so they must not focus on history because they supported Simba Makoni then. In order to move forward they should consider the future and work towards it. MDC-T will never force any party to partner it, as we believe in democracy,” he added.
Post published in: News