MDC elections director Makuwaza dies

MDC elections director Makuwaza dies

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By Staff Reporter

REMUS MAKUWAZA, the opposition Movement for Democratic Change's former director of elections and candidate for the Makoni West parliamentary election has died.

The opposition party said Makuwaza died in London early this week following a long illness. He was 48.

An MDC UK district official who spoke to New Zimbabwe.com said arrangements were being made to fly his body backto Zimbabwe for burial.

"He had been ill for a while, and we were hoping it wouldn't come to this. It's terrible news for the country and those who are in the trenches fighting for freedom," said the official.

Sources told New Zimbabwe.com Makuwaza's illness was causing him regular psychiatric problems and memory lapses.

Makuwaza was born on February 2, 1957 in Rusape. He worked for over 20 years as a trade unionist , and was a founder member of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and its publication -- The Worker.

After joining the MDC, Makuwaza chaired the party's international committee in 1999 anbd 200. He was also national executive member and secretary for national intergration and reconcilliation as well as director of elections in 2002.

Makuwaza went to various countries to observe elections, including Mozambuique, South Africa, Malawi, Kenya and Nigeria.
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