Most sitting MDC-T MPs were confirmed by their constituencies amid accusations of manipulation of the primary election process by the national executive. Dozens of frustrated aspiring candidates and their sympathisers have jumped ship, describing the process as flawed and undemocratic.
The recent departure by MDC-T Marondera East aspiring candidate Dominic Tembedza could signal the fall of MDC-T’s Tracy Mutinhiri in the constituency. Tembedza was one of the three candidates supposed to battle it out at the primaries last Saturday at Rudhaka Stadium. He was shocked to learn that former Zanu (PF) legislator Mutinhiri would not be contested as the party had endorsed her candidature. He joined MDC where he was subsequently nominated the candidate for Marondera East.
“I could not believe that MDC-T would impose a candidate on the people given that the party claims to be democratic. I strongly believe that there is better democratic space at MDC than at MDC-T,” Tembedza told The Zimbabwean in a telephone interview.
In sympathy with Tembedza, who was beaten and left for dead by Zanu (PF) youths in 2008, some MDC-T officials in Marondera East District followed him to the MDC, as did some disgruntled aspiring ward councillor candidates.
MDC-T spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora said Mutinhiri was confirmed as the party regarded her as a sitting MP. She was expelled from Zanu (PF) on accusations that she had “turned MDC” and forced to cease representing Zanu (PF) as MP Marondera East as well as vacate her post as deputy minister for Labour and Social Welfare. Contrary to Mwonzora’s statement, some MDC-T Marondera East district officials told this newspaper that no confirmation was received regarding the Mutinhiri candidature.
MDC vice spokesperson Kurauwone Chihwayi said his party was excited about the swelling party membership over the past three months as a result of MDC-T defections.
“For security and professional reasons, we cannot disclose names of high profile MDC-T officials from across Zimbabwe who have joined MDC. Their home coming is a pointer towards MDC victory in coming elections,” he said.
Post published in: News