MDC formations rapped over ‘elite contradictions’

Politics
Political analysts have taken a swipe at the two MDC formations for engaging in “elite contradictions” that do not help their supporters and the country in general

Political analysts have taken a swipe at the two MDC formations for engaging in “elite contradictions” that do not help their supporters and the country in general.

By Our Staff

Panellists at a recent Sapes meeting that analysed the implications of the recall of the 21 MPs belonging to the Renewal Team by MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai, warned of the demise of a stronger opposition in Parliament.

“The splits in the MDC are about elite contradictions and not the social base of the party. These are elite conflicts, which are unfortunately manifesting in the body politic,” said political analyst Charles Mangongera.

“These contradictions are in the realm of the elite and not in the masses. What does this mean for the big tent approach?” He said Zanu PF, despite its challenges, would not fragment into several factions in President Robert Mugabe’s lifetime. “Are we going to see Zanu PF becoming weaker as we have seen the MDC going? Mugabe is the glue holding the party together in whatever state. Once he moves from State House to Heroes Acre, that’s the end. Such a scenario will have serious security implications,” he said.

He said the citizenry had become hopeless after the disintegration of the opposition in Zimbabwe.

“The majority had hoped the opposition would speak with one voice, even now, the opposition was supposed to offer us a channel but unfortunately we are seeing fights and they are throwing mud at each other,” Mangongera added.

“What you have done is to donate those seats to Zanu PF,” he said. Author Pius Wakatama said what had happened would not help the suffering people of Zimbabwe.

“It’s politicking and not about the people of Zimbabwe,” Wakatama said.

Ibbo Mandaza said it was “stupid” for the MDC-T to take such a decision that would empower Zanu PF saying such action was the reason why the party performed dismally in the 2013 harmonised elections.

“Under what conditions will the MDC participate in by-elections given there have been no reforms? Tsvangirai was warned by three Heads of State in 2013 not to participate in the elections. The MDC stupidly went into an election, don’t you realise how stupid it will be and in that case who are you fooling,” said Mandaza.

MDC-T spokesperson Obert Gutu said the national council of the party would soon meet to deliberate on whether or not to participate in the by- elections, adding that currently the party was complying with the congress resolution.

MDC-T party insiders said the anticipated by-elections had triggered interest among senior party leaders who are eyeing seats in Harare and Bulawayo.

Harare and Bulawayo have been MDC-T’s support base since 2000 and the party is seriously considering rescinding its decision not to participate in elections before electoral reforms are implemented. “Senior party leaders like Douglas Mwonzora (pictured), Morgen Komichi, Gutu and Charlton Hwende will definitely be topping the list of the party candidates for Harare constituencies,” the party insider said.

The insider added, “The party cannot afford to cede political ground to Zanu PF, especially in Harare and Bulawayo at this juncture.”

On the other hand, Zanu PF is seeing the contest as an opportunity to prove that despite being locked in mortal factional combat, the party remained strong enough to win against opposition MDC formations.

Information minister Jonathan Moyo is relishing the moment to reclaim the Tsholotsho North seat which he lost in the July 2013 polls.