MDC-T president Morgan Tsvangirai yesterday made key announcements, naming Kuwadzana East MP Nelson Chamisa and Warren Park MP Elias Mudzuri as the party’s additional vice-presidents.
NewsDay Comment
However, we are not too sure of the constitutionality of Tsvangirai’s actions except that the party National Council gave him the green light to make additional changes to the party’s presidium.
Tsvangirai recently revealed he had been diagnosed with colon cancer, an ailment that will likely affect his role as opposition president as the party gears for the landmark 2018 elections. Clearly, yesterday’s announcement will also portray him as a democratic leader with the future of the country at heart.
Therefore, if the appointments are supported by the party constitution, then we have no doubt that the new development is significant not only for the opposition, but has a bearing on the country’s politics.
This will be unlike his Zanu PF counterpart President Robert Mugabe, who, at 92, even entertains the thought that he will continue to rule Zimbabwe from the grave as suggested by First Lady Grace Mugabe.
We do not hold any brief for Tsvangirai or his MDC-T, but it is hoped that the new appointments will change the fortunes of the party for the better, and not fragment the opposition.
As Tsvangirai told the world that he was well-advised of the constitutionality of his actions, Zimbabweans who are fed up with party politics after their nasty experience with Zanu PF and past MDC splits, should find succour in the reinvigorated opposition.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Whether by accident or design, Zimbabweans will find Tsvangirai to be one who appreciates the mortality of man and the need for continuity suppose he succumbs to biology — death or incapacitation.
We believe Tsvangirai’s decision may not be supported by all top party officials, it is time they avoid wearing themselves out with ineffective campaigns against each other as this will only serve to weaken the opposition against Zanu PF machinery. The stronger the opposition, the better for the country.
It is, however, hoped that Tsvangirai’s decision will not undermine long serving vice-president Thokozani Khupe, but bolster her position such that she may even succeed him in the future.
The youth are an important constituency hence Chamisa’s appointment must spur party youths in doing more and taking governance issues more seriously.
Zimbabweans have seen the dangers of Mugabe’s failure to appoint a successor leading to the current economic decay the country is experiencing. Experience has taught Zimbabweans that failure to deal with the sensitive issue can be disastrous as witnessed in Zanu PF.
Women in the country constitute 52% of the voting public. Therefore, for Khupe to tap into this important constituency, we urge her to assert her authority in the opposition now with a view to taking over from Tsvangirai when the time comes.
It is common knowledge that there are 42 registered political parties in the country as a result of unending splits due to disagreements. It is hoped that Zimbabweans will not see another MDC-T split as a result of the reconfiguration of the opposition party.
But the way Tsvangirai and his reconfigured party leadership will deal with party issues, in the unlikely event of fissures that may arise as a result, is set to redefine the future of opposition politics in the country.
