MDC-T spokesperson, Douglas Mwonzora, told The Zimbabwean that it was not a foregone conclusion that Tsvangirai would quit the presidency at the 2016 Congress, although delegates to the Congress would decide the fate of candidates through secret ballot.
Provincial and national executive members interviewed by The Zimbabwean said only Zanu (PF) would benefit should Tsvangirai step down. The Youth Assembly and 11 provinces this week threw their weight behind Tsvangirai’s Presidency.
“Calls that Tsvangirai should step down are a creation of Zanu (PF). Genuine MDC-T followers will not fall into the cheap propaganda,” said one provincial executive member.
MDC-T Organising Secretary, Nelson Chamisa, said Tsvangirai was the face of the struggle for democracy and there was no need to change him midstream.
“Given our circumstances it is not the right time to change our commander,” Chamisa said.
Analysts said although leadership renewal was essential in any organisation, MDC-T should be on guard and only take such a decision according to its own plans. “The fact that Zanu (PF) has supported dissenting voices in the MDC, suggests that Tsvangirai’s stepping down would benefit Mugabe’s party ,” said an observer.
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