A STORM is looming in the MDC-T party where grassroots members are reportedly demanding that the party reverses its decision to protect sitting female MPs from male challengers.
STAFF REPORTER
The party has resolved to bar male parliamentary aspirants from constituencies occupied by women MPs.
Last week, about 700 MDC-T members from Sunningdale constituency in Harare reportedly petitioned their party’s top leadership to allow sitting MP Margaret Mativenga to be challenged.
Part of the Sunningdale petition shown to NewsDay reads: “People should be allowed to make their own decision on whether they want a male or female candidate.”
Party sources said the electorate was no longer happy with Mativenga’s performance and wanted leadership renewal.
But MDC-T spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora yesterday rubbished the petition saying the decision to protect sitting female MPs was irreversible.
“The complaint is without merit. The MDC is taking positive steps towards ensuring more representation of women in Parliament and the national council made that decision,” Mwonzora said.
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“No one can vary that decision by the national council that positions held by women will only be contested by women and that is a correct decision,” said Mwonzora.
The MDC-T has 11 sitting women parliamentarians out of the 99 seats the party garnered in 2008 and seven female Senators out of its 24 gubernatorial seats.
Addressing a campaign rally in Chiredzi last week, MDC-T leader Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai discouraged party members from jostling for seats.
