FORMER energy and power development minister, Elias Mudzuri was the major casualty of a minimal re-jigging of the MDC-T national executive, which saw most of the senior officials retain their posts.

Nelson Chamisa who was previously party spokesperson successfully challenged Mudzuri at the party’s elective congress in Bulawayo and convincingly beat the former Harare mayor by 2670 votes to 707.

Chamisa vowed to deal with the problems of violence and factionalism which have rocked party structures around the country.

“In the provinces where you are not united, you should be united because that is our new song,” he said. “I will be coming down there to ensure that no matter what you think, you are united. We will be fair and firm. We will listen but lead.”

Meanwhile, Douglas Mwonzora becomes the new party spokesperson after beating Tongai Muthuthu while in the other notable change to the executive, former national youth chairperson, Thamsanqa Mahlangu also lost his bid to become deputy organizing secretary.

Party leader and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai was re-elected unopposed while his deputy Thokozani Khupe easily fended off the challenges of Thabita Khumalo and veteran politician Norman Mabhena.

Lovemore Moyo remains national chairman after convincingly beating Lucia Matibenga while finance Minister Tendai Biti saw off a challenge from public service minister professor Eliphas Mukonoweshuro to remain secretary general.

In other posts, exiled treasurer, Roy Bennet was not challenged and will be deputised by Elton Mangoma who beat Sekai Holland and Samuel Sipepa Nkomo.

The MDC-T's third national congress ended in Bulawayo with Tsvangirai vosing to beat President Robert Mugabe and take lead the party into power at next elections.