MDC leaders in meeting to chart way forward

by Violet Gonda
27 October 2005

The MDC leadership has started meetings to resolve the impasse that has rocked the opposition party. Some members of the top 6 met in Harare Thursday. This is the first time that members of the warring faction have met since the controversial vote when the National Council met two weeks ago.

MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai held a press conference after the meeting flanked by his Vice President Gibson Sibanda. The show of unity has raised hopes the party might be able to resolve the differences that have split it down the middle. Concerned groups, including church leaders, are said to be trying to bring the feuding factions together.

Tsvangirai told reporters that the party was trying to close ranks on the November 26 polls. He said "The management committee of the MDC, taking into consideration the current crisis in the party ... and recognising the party’s objective to replace the Mugabe dictatorship, met in Harare today." Tsvangirai added party officials had resolved "to continue the dialogue with a view to finding an expeditious resolution of the dispute in the party."

Observers say it is a positive move to see Sibanda sitting next to Tsvangirai at the news conference after the meeting. Only last week Sibanda had accused Tsvangirai of "wilfully violating the constitution of the MDC" by disregarding results of a vote on whether to contest the elections.

Political analyst Dr John Makumbe believes the squabbles are a minor hiccup and a necessary progression in the political development of the party. The analyst said there is a softening of attitudes and a realisation that these two sides are essentially one party and both rightfully have a claim on the party and are attempting to resolve the impasse.

He said, “as a result of this there is going to be some fall-out with people leaving the party while others will consolidate their power within the MDC and the popular movements for democracy.”

He added that there are equally strong arguments for and against participating in the senate election but because the groups can’t agree on the methodology, this has spilled over into accusations and counter accusations.

Dr Makumbe said the leaders will not make a meaningful difference if they continue to squabble between them. His opinion is that MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai should allow those in favour of participating to go ahead and then wait until congress to make the final decision on the way forward.

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