“There is nothing exciting about the election outcome as it recycled the same old guard which has failed at previous elections. The only measurable improvement is having the brave Obert Gutu as spokesperson,” said political commentator Rejoice Ngwenya.
The party would have assumed a new complexion had characters such as Alex Magaisa and Pedzisai Ruhanya been taken aboard, he added, saying there was need for injection of new blood in the opposition’s leadership.
Edington Mugova, founder and coordinator of Peace Reveal Zimbabwe, described the MDC-T elections as democratic and a transparent way of building a formidable opposition.
Mugova, who was among the invited guests, said: “I think MDC-T managed to conduct the elections in a democratic manner and came up with a winning structure,” and suggested that Tsvangirai and his party were set to win the 2018 elections. He urged losers to accept the people’s will and continue serving the interests of the party.
Douglas Mwonzora, the incoming MDC-T secretary general, said he was humbled by the faith invested in him by the party structures.
“The people spoke through a democratic process and contestants should accept the outcome,” said Anyway Tafireyi of Marondera. He also predicted that the party would be victorious in 2018.
Gilbert Bechani of Ruwa said political parties should not be about personalities but the people’s will.
But people on the streets of Harare gave different opinions, with some claiming that the internal ballot was stolen under the nose of the hot favourite, Nelson Chamisa.
Insiders said there was some bad blood between Tsvangirai and Chamisa, hence the “dumping” of the Kuwadzana legislator by the former trade unionist and MDC-T President.
Though Chamisa could not be reached for comment, sources close to him said he had not expected defeat and was yet to come to terms with the result.
“Chamisa is not deliberately avoiding the media or anyone – he would be at a church ritual during the day and would only be contactable during the night,” said a source privy to Chamisa’s activities.
The source dismissed rumours that Chamisa was considering jumping ship to join the Renewal Team headed by Tendai Biti.
Observers ruled out vote rigging against Chamisa “given the young former party organising secretary’s influence over the structures ahead of the polls.”
“I think the charismatic Chamisa lost to a better candidate in a fair open battle,” said a one observer.
Obert Gutu, MDC-T spokesperson described the election as free and fair. “The election was monitored by an independent body, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, and passed the test of legitimacy,” Gutu said, calling on the losers to accept their fate.
MDC-T will only convene another elective congress after the 2018 elections.
Post published in: News
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Thanks for such a knowledgeable post.