MDC-T members in the Chirumanzu-Zibagwe area have stated their intentions to participate in the constituency’s by-elections set for March 27 this year, a clear indication of discord in the party.
IVAN NDLOVU OWN CORRESPONDENT
MDC-T members in the constituency wrote a letter to the provincial office, stating their interest in participating in the by-elections, saying they were confident that they would win the elections.
Speaking to Southern Eye, MDC-T Midlands South provincial spokesperson Munyaradzi Mutandavari confirmed the developments, saying they had received a letter from party members wanting to contest for the constituency.
“They applied in writing to contest the by-elections, they are very eager to participate,” he said.
Mutandavari, however, did not reveal who wanted to contest for the post on the party’s ticket.
The MDC-T has already said it will not participate in the March 27 by-election, as long as amendments to the electoral law were not implemented.
The tussle to represent the party in the Midlands by-election may be an indicator that lower party structures were not in sync with the upper echelons regarding participating in polls.
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Mutandavari, however, explained that the party had agreed, at its congress last year, not to contest any elections, until reforms were implemented.
The MDC-T did not field a candidate in the Chirumanzu-Zibagwe constituency in the 2013 election, triggering reports the party feared standing against Emmerson Mnangagwa, now vice-president.
However, Mutandavari dismissed this, saying that it was not the case, but there were other factors at play.
“It cannot be attributed to the fear of Mnangagwa, but there were other factors that contributed,” he emphasised.
Mutandavari said the request by members to participate in the by-elections had been forwarded to their national executive committee and they are the ones who can make a final decision on the request. Mnangagwa’s seat automatically became vacant when he was elevated to the vice-presidency.
The other by election will be held in Mt Darwin West constituency to replace former Vice-President Joice Mujuru.
