Chebundo deserts Mutambara faction

Chebundo deserts Mutambara faction

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By Lebo Nkatazo

A FACTION of Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) led by Arthur Mutambara lost a second MP Tuesday when Blessing Chebundo crossed the floor to join Morgan Tsvangirai's group.

Chebundo, MP for Kwekwe, held the positions of director of elections and chief whip of the faction's parliamentary caucus.

In a brief resignation letter sent to Mutambara and released to the media Tuesday, Chebundo said: "It is with deep regret that I have to advice that, due to very personal reasons, I am no-longer able to continue as the 'Director of Elections, and as Chief Whip' of the MDC side led by Prof. A Mutambara. My resignation from the above two positions is with immediate effect."

He added: "I trust, and wish the 'Side' all the best."

Chebundo is the second MP to quit after Binga legislator Joel Gabhuza crossed the floor.

Priscilla Misihairabwi, the Mutambara-faction's parliamentary spokesperson said she was disappointed Chebundo had jumped ship, but was keen to stress that their group still retained the parliamentary majority with the support of at least 22 of the 41 MDC MPs.

She said: "Chebundo's decision has come as a disappointment but there has been extreme pressure and lobbying by Tsvangirai's emissaries who have approached several other MPs trying to bully them into joining him and his group.

"It is, however, significant that we still control the parliamentary party."

The MDC split over differences around the policy on election participation in the run-up to last November's senate elections. Tsvangirai opposed fielding candidates in the poll but some of his senior colleagues, backed by a vote of the party's national council, went ahead and fielded candidates.
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