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MDC-T Says Tsvangarai Next Zimbabwe President


Morgan Tsvangirai captured at a village in Zimbabwe visiting people who strongly believe that he will form the next government after performing dismally in the last elections which the former trade unionist claims were rigged by Zanu PF.
Morgan Tsvangirai captured at a village in Zimbabwe visiting people who strongly believe that he will form the next government after performing dismally in the last elections which the former trade unionist claims were rigged by Zanu PF.

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) formation led by Morgan Tsvangirai, which is celebrating 15 years of existence, says it is convinced that the former prime minister will one day be the president of Zimbabwe

Party organizing secretary, Nelson Chamisa, told VOA Studio 7 that the MDC has been battered over the years but continues to push ahead, with high hopes that Tsvangirai will dislodge Zanu PF from power.

Chamisa said the party, which was formed in 1999 and has witnessed a couple of splits over the years, is looking ahead with optimism.

The former information communication technology minister said Zimbabwe, which has been ruled by President Robert Mugabe after attaining independence from British rule in 1980, yearns for democracy.

Interview With MDC-T Organizing Secretary Nelson Chamisa
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Tsvangirai has led the MDC since its launch in 1999 by a broad coalition of organizations including the National Constitutional Assembly and the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions. He defeated Mugabe in the 2008 presidential election but did not have the majority votes to single-handedly form his own government.

Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) leader Morgan Tsvangirai and Zanu PF's Robert Mugabe. (AP Photos/Collage by Ntungamili Nkomo)
Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) leader Morgan Tsvangirai and Zanu PF's Robert Mugabe. (AP Photos/Collage by Ntungamili Nkomo)

A presidential re-run led to the brutal attack on MDC supporters by alleged Zanu PF activists, forcing Tsvangirai to abandon the polls at a time when the Zimbabwe dollar hit rock bottom leading to unprecedented hyperinflation. According to the International Monetary Fund, it reached 500 billion percent in 2008.

Food shortages, hunger and health challenges faced the country resulting in the local dollar being replaced by multiple currencies in 2009 after a negotiated political settlement.

The MDC-T, Zanu PF and MDC led by Professor Welshman Ncube a power-sharing government following mediation efforts by regional Southern African Development Community leaders.

The unity government ended last year, with Mr. Mugabe and Zanu-PF's victory in presidential and parliamentary elections.

Mr. Mugabe obtained 61% of the presidential vote against 34% for Tsvangirai.

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