MDC Activists Pass Vote of No Confidence in Harare Province

WASHINGTON DC —  The factional fights in the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) formation led by Morgan Tsvangirai continue to widen with some members in the Harare province passing a vote of no confidence in the leadership of chairman Paul Madzore.

The vote of no confidence was passed at the party’s headquarters in Harare last night.

This follows the suspension of some members in Manicaland and Matabeleland province by the party’s organizing secretary Nelson Chamisa.

Party sources say Madzore is allegedly linked to the faction that is calling on Tsvangirai to step down saying leadership renewal will boost the party’s chances in the 2018 national elections.

Those calling for Madzore’s ouster are said to be led by Harare province spokesman Obert Gutu. Gutu confirmed to VOA Studio 7 that some members in Harare are disgruntled with Madzore’s leadership.

VOA Studio 7 also reached Madzore who dismissed the meeting to oust him as a non-event.

The leadership turf wars and turmoil in the MDC-T has forced the embattled party to call an early congress, with those aligned with leader Morgan Tsvangirai allegedly purging opponents to clear the course for the long-serving leader.

Party spokesman Douglas Mwonzora confirmed the development, but was quick to point out no firm date has been set yet.

Political analyst Nkululeko Sibanda says Mr. Tsvangirai’s opponents will not be given a chance to canvass for support.