MDC crisis deepens as two rival camps send out conflicting statements

By Violet Gonda
14 October 2005

Problems in Zimbabwe’s main opposition party deepened as the leadership continue to send conflicting statements. MDC Deputy Secretary General Gift Chimanikire sent a letter to the party structures urging them to prepare for the senatorial election. Then Friday saw MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai sending his own statement telling the membership to ignore this directive. It’s reported that 5 members of the Top 6 are in South Africa for a meeting, without Tsvangirai, showing evidence of the deep division.

NCA Chairman Dr Lovemore Madhuku says the MDC is in the midst of a powerful nuclear fall-out. He says Tsvangirai should take a leading role as he is the president but the problem is his power in party structures is not as strong as outside.

Dr Madhuku said Chimanikire and others say they are acting in accordance with resolutions passed by the National Council, but Morgan Tsvangirai’s decision was based on principal.

The divisions have now left many wondering who will have the last word, but there are fears that the opposition party may not be able to reconcile.

Tsvangirai has the support from civil society, labour bodies and youth groups like the Zimbabwe National Students’ Union, but these groups do not vote in the MDC decision making process. Madhuku said ordinary people would always vote for Morgan Tsvangirai while Gift Chimanikire, Welshman Ncube and others just could not compete.

There is much speculation about serious infiltration in the MDC by Zanu PF and others who would like to see the MDC annihilated. A division such as this plays perfectly into the hands of Zanu PF.