MDC youth threaten demonstration over senate impasse

By Lance Guma
15 October 2005

The militant youth wing of the MDC has put its weight firmly behind a call to boycott the coming senate elections and has already begun sending circulars mobilizing its structures countrywide. National Chairman Nelson Chamisa says its unfortunate things have come to a head but as the majority membership in the party, the youth have absolutely no interest in the poll and have pledged to demonstrate their opposition to it by all means necessary.

He criticized the state owned Herald for suddenly becoming a newsletter for the MDC by giving publicity to correspondence, which had not even reached its destination, when previously they had no access or interest in it. Chamisa reinforced party leader Morgan Tsvangirai's view that the party had been infiltrated and hence the appearance of confidential information in the state media. The Herald reported that the pro-senate camp had already sent out letters urging the selection of candidates for the elections. Although the divisions look deep, Chamisa is confident the developments are important for the party to grow politically.

The Youth Assembly believes only a minority number of individuals in the party are interested in lining their pockets via senatorial seats and they are neglecting the concerns of the poor ordinary party member. The party had to review all electoral participation and concentrate on democratic resistance along with its grassroots supporters. Elections have proved a futile exercise and there was no point in seeking privilege when ordinary people did not realize any benefits.