The ManicaPost
Chenai Mutasa Post Correspondent
The MDC, under the leadership of Nelson Chamisa, has in the past year deteriorated from any resemblance of being the party of democratic principles that its late founding father and leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, envisaged it to be.
Soon after Tsvangirai passed on over a year ago, Chamisa was quick to grab power and lead MDC, at a time when party supporters where too vulnerable to challenge the conquest. This simply birthed the death of democracy in MDC, as Chamisa proved that he would do anything to stay in power. The build up to the party’s national congress showed how democracy has been thrashed within the party, and has also indicated how a ruthless, selfish and egotistic leader Chamisa would be.
The provincial congress elections were marred by violence, intimidation, vote buying, harassment and candidates who opposed Chamisa were not being spared. Even Douglas Mwonzora spoke out that the ‘‘playing field was uneven.’’ At one point, Chamisa threatened to bar Bulawayo Province from Congress, following indications that the Province was considering not nominating him.
Recently, reports came out that some members of the MDC Bulawayo Province filed an appeal to the party’s national executive committee (NEC) challenging the process and outcome of the provincial congress held, citing that the process was characterised by, amongst others, voter rigging from security teams and presiding officers. They also said the whole process lacked transparency and secrecy.
In some cases, allegations were that members were asked to vote by show of raising hands. In Gweru, incidents of violence and vote buying were recorded. Chamisa also made sure that he presided over provincial elections held in the dead of night in the Midlands Province.
In Chitungwiza, one Jabulani Mtunzi was beaten up for sympathising with Mwonzora. Interestingly, not once did Chamisa come out condemning the violence against those who supported his opponents. What has been another major downfall in MDC has been idolising Chamisa, portraying him as the literal soul and breath of the party. This has contributed to him being a disrespectful and denigrating individual, condescending in his approach even to national issues.
Contributory to the dearth of democracy has been Chamisa’s uncontested power which saw him being handed a blank cheque to appoint some members of the National Standing Committee (NSC), including the Organising Secretary, Treasurer General and Spokesperson and their Deputies.
This is despite the nomination of members for the posts during the just ended provincial congresses. In essence, Chamisa has been given too much power to ring-fence his Presidency and only surround himself with loyalists who will make sure that he remains in power.
Traditionally, Chamisa should have had party supporters choose their own representatives, to ensure representation from individuals chosen out of merit. The move only sets to let Chamisa have full power over the party and the danger of personalising it.
This also solidifies assertions that Chamisa has been groomed by Robert Mugabe and MDC would soon be realising the full brunt of dictatorship. Before they know it, MDC will soon be dealing with Chamisa idolatry, eroding the principle of democracy, the party is supposed to be built on.
The signs have been evident enough, that Chamisa is unforgiving to those who are not loyal to him and will soon strike by making significant changes in the Party, clearly after the national congress when he has total control over the party.
MDC supporters should not be quick to forget that Chamisa has always thought of himself over party supporters and the values of the party. A sobering reminder would be the time he called party supporters ‘stupid’ for engaging in demonstrations after the 30 July elections last year.
This was despite that he had called for them to engage in the protests, which ultimately turned violent. This should have been a wake-up call to MDC members that he is a leader, who would turn his back on them simply to save face and protect his interests.
It is also apparent that Chamisa has failed the party, as donor funding continues to dwindle. Reports of party workers going for over 11 months without receiving salaries also shows that Chamisa does not care about the welfare of those who support him.
The MDC may be too proud and arrogant to say it out loud that Chamisa has contributed to the dearth of democracy in the party, but as the Shona adage goes, “Rina manyanga hariputirwe.”
It is only a matter of time before the MDC faces a grave split due to Chamisa’s lack of unifying leadership skills. Chamisa thrives in disunity, confusion, violence and controversy, which is already defining MDC as an opposition party.
It is also apparent that many are not happy with this kind of leadership position and will soon stand against the dictatorial leader.
Despite his loudness and verbal strength, Chamisa has not managed to turn around the fortunes of the party. Internal strife continues to be the underlying trait, unaddressed it will soon manifest itself in the death of the party.
