MDC to contest Budiriro by-election

By Lance Guma
06 April 2006

Contrary to popular perception, Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, albeit with two competing faces, says it will contest the Budiriro parliamentary by-election set for next month. The seat fell vacant following the death of MP Gilbert Shoko in February this year. A boycott of the senate elections had created the impression the MDC will boycott all elections. Party spokesman Nelson Chamisa representing the group loyal to Morgan Tsvangirai says the party’s March congress resolved not to put all its ‘political eggs in one basket.’ Although the electoral route is clearly not producing any results because of the rigged framework Chamisa says they will not abandon it altogether. Their major focus is ‘democratic resistance’ and the party believes this has a better chance of success than participating in elections alone. On account of that they will be fielding a candidate for the by-election.

Morgan Changamire representing the MDC faction led by Authur Mutambara says they will also be fielding a candidate. Questioned on whether this would not play into the hands of Zanu PF in terms of splitting votes, Changamire says they hope by the time the election comes both parties will have agreed on suitable different party names or some form of distinguishing marks. He is even sure that those running the elections will see to it that the electorate is not confused by the infighting. Chamisa on the other hand welcomed competition from any political party in the country and says they are confident of retaining the Budiriro seat. However observers say Zanu PF will be hoping the infighting lasts for a long time since they will be able to reap huge political gains because of it.

The MDC split over differences on whether to participate in senate elections or not. Party leader Morgan Tsvangirai called it a waste of national resources given the dire economic situation. The other faction led by Secretary General Welshman Ncube argued in favour of participating, saying they had to defend political space in their strongholds. Both sides have since held separate congresses and any hope of unity remains remote by all accounts.