adminJoseph Madzimure and Zvamaida Murwira
MDC-ALLIANCE secretary-general Mr Douglas Mwonzora, former vice presidents Mr Morgan Komichi and Engineer Elias Mudzuri, who lost their positions at the party’s elective congress, yesterday broke their silence.
Eng Mudzuri and Mr Komichi lost their positions to Mr Tendai Biti, Mrs Lynette Karenyi-Kakore and Professor Welshman Ncube in the race for the vice presidency, while Mr Mwonzora lost to Mr Chalton Hwende.
Eng Mudzuri said he was now suffering from high blood pressure (BP).
“I can’t say much on the outcome of the congress right now. I am not feeling well. I have not been well since May 7. I am suffering from BP. I am yet to report for duty.
“I am not even attending Parliament sessions and any party business. So right now I can’t say much concerning the outcome of the congress. I am waiting for my doctor to assess my condition, but today (yesterday) I am feeling much better,” said Eng Mudzuri.
Mr Komichi said he was hurt and needed healing.
“I will not leave the party. I will stand by Chamisa and serve in whatever capacity I will have been appointed. I am hurt, yes, but I need help so that I can heal,” Mr Komichi said.
Mr Mwonzora said he had no comment on the outcome of the congress.
“I have no further comment on the outcome of the congress. You can ask those elected at the congress if they stand any chance of winning the coming elections,” said Mr Mwonzora.
Meanwhile, The Herald understands that MDC leader Mr Nelson Chamisa is sweating over how to accommodate losing party bigwigs including the three.
Others are former youth leader Mr Happymore Chidziva and executive members Ms Lilian Timveos, Mrs Theresa Makone and Mr Murisi Zwizwai, among others.
Sources said Mr Chamisa’s headache was on who to include in the Standing Committee and the national executive among the losing bigwigs.
The losing bigwigs will have to fight for the remaining positions with the previous office holders such as Mr Amos Chibaya (organising secretary, Mr Jacob Mafume, secretary for information and publicity), among other posts.
The opposition leader has since invited party members to submit their curricula vitae to be considered for positions in the national executive.
“Going forward, the 10 provinces will, starting from today, convene provincial councils which are meant to elect five members to be appointed in the national executive. The election must ensure gender balance.
“Members who also intend to be considered for appointment in the national executive are to submit their profiles to the office of the secretary- general.
“Those who apply must be members of good standing, and the applications must be submitted by the 8th of June,” said the party’s communication department in a statement issued last Friday.
“Consultations on appointments of remaining Standing Committee positions are ongoing. The party will also convene a special National Council to complete congress business in line with congress resolutions. Dates for the special National Council will be released in due course.”
Sources within the party said Mr Chamisa faced a daunting task in balancing his act to avoid a damaging rift.
“It is a delicate situation. Mr Chamisa has to play his cards well or else there will be an implosion in the party. He has a lot of issues and factors to balance — gender, tribal, loyalty and seniority — among other issues that he has to grapple with,” said a source with close links to the party hierarchy.
Online Reporter