Bulilima MP in rallying call for MDC factions to unite

By Tichaona Sibanda
2 January 2008

The Bulilima MP in Matebeleland South province, Moses Mzila-Ndlovu, on Wednesday issued a rallying call to both factions of the MDC to forge a united front against Zanu-PF in the forthcoming elections.

The legislator from the Mutambara faction urged fellow MPs from the two factions to swallow their pride and accept that only a united opposition party stands a good chance of defeating Zanu-PF at the polls.

‘Speaking in my personal capacity, I want to say to everyone associated with the MDC that let’s put our differences aside because there is a greater advantage in unity that the present scenario,’ Mzila-Ndlovu said.

In the last month both sides have been issuing statements confirming that they were having secret talks in an attempt to get the factions back together.

But the Bulilima MP urged them to speed up the dialogue as they were fast running out of time, reiterating that it would be a tall order to contest the elections as separate parties.

‘Unity is achievable especially if you see how Zimbabweans are suffering under this dictatorship. So I am saying if we achieve it (unity) we will give Zimbabweans a present for 2008. This will also come as a major motivation for the people to turn out and vote in their millions,’ he said.
Analysts believe that by forging a united front the MDC will ensure that the factions will not split votes by fielding two candidates in each constituency.
Both factions are speaking as one at the SADC led talks, being facilitated by South African President Thabo Mbeki.