No to extra-ordinary congress: MDC-T

Impeccable sources inside the party told The Zimbabwean that the issue of an extra-ordinary congress was brought up at the emotive National Council meeting held a few days after the devastating electoral loss to Zanu (PF).

Zimbabwe went to the polls on July 31, with President Robert Mugabe and Zanu (PF) posting landslide victories. “The issue of an extra-ordinary congress to consider leadership renewal was brought up at the National Council meeting held at the President (Tsvangirai)’s Highlands home but was immediately shot down by key members. “It was roundly and vociferously shot down by the youth and the women’s assembly leaders. That idea will not survive. It is dying a natural death,” said a National Executive member on condition of anonymity.

Party youth president Solomon Madzore would not comment on whether the assembly was against the idea of leadership change before congress, according to a close aide.

His women’s assembly counterpart Theresa Makone was unreachable for comment as her mobile went unanswered. Contacted for comment MDC-T spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora said there would be no extra-ordinary congress.

“The MDC is solidly behind the leadership of Morgan Tsvangirai and there is no need for such action as an extra-ordinary congress. We will have our party congress as scheduled in 2016 and all posts then will be open to contestation,” Mwonzora said.

Quizzed on whether the issue of leadership renewal had been discussed at the party’s post-mortem meeting following the July 31 elections that the party has accused Zanu (PF) of stealing, Mwonzora denied that the issue had come up.

“There was no such discussion and nobody shot anything down. We are working tirelessly to show the whole world that Mugabe and his party did not win the July 31 election but stole the people’s vote. Mugabe’s Pyrrhic victory will not pass any credibility test anywhere in the world. It is hollow. That is why they are not celebrating,” said Mwonzora.