MOVEMENT for Democratic Change (MDC) secretary general Tendai Biti has insisted all leadership positions are up for grabs at the party’s May congress, slamming moves by some party activists who have launched campaigns to keep current office holders in place.
“Some provinces have adopted unconstitutional and undemocratic practices, these include aberrations such as 'Operation Gara Uripo' or 'Mira Uripo' (Stay Where You Are),” Biti said in a circular to the party’s provincial structures.
He added: “The national executive committee has adopted a special code of conduct that will deal with the congress. The party will exercise zero tolerance to any omissions or commissions of misconduct.”
Biti’s intervention has opened the way for a major reorganisation of the party’s top hierarchy, although leader Morgan Tsvangirai is expected to survive any challenge.
Biti and organising secretary Elias Mudzuri have voiced concerns over vote buying and other improper activities as party functionaries jostle for positions at the forthcoming congress.
“Vote-buying, sexism, factionalism and any acts of misconduct will not be tolerated,” the circular added.
The MDC is struggling to contain divisions in the party ahead of the crucial May congress.
Key contests are expected in the race for chairman, with incumbent Lovemore Moyo likely to face a challenge.
It has been speculated Mudzuri faces a challenge from youth leader Nelson Chamisa, but the Information Communication Technology minister is thought to favour staying in his current position, New Zimbabwe.com understands.
Perhaps the most acrimonious contest is expected in the party’s women’s assembly where incumbent Theresa Makone could face a rematch with Lucia Matibenga, whom she defeated in 2006.
The provincial elections are also proving to be a major headache for the party with State Enterprises Minister Gorden Moyo fighting Mzilikazi Senator Matson Hlalo for the chairmanship of Bulawayo province. Some members have tried to block Moyo from standing claiming he has not been a member of the party for the two years, a requirement under the party’s electoral guidelines.