SW Radio Africa
By Tichaona Sibanda
20 December 2010
Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara has said he will not seek re-election as the MDC-M president during his party’s congress, slated for January next year. This leaves party secretary-general, Welshman Ncube, a clear favourite to take over the presidency.
Mutambara reportedly pulled out of the race at the weekend after Ncube’s candidacy was endorsed by 11 of the party’s 12 provinces.
Ncube’s endorsement effectively sealed Mutambara’s fate, whose rise from political obscurity in 2006, to lead the breakaway faction of the MDC, shocked many political observers. SW Radio Africa is reliably informed that at that time Mutambara was invited to take over the leadership of the MDC-M by former legislators Job Sikhala and Priscilla Misihairambwi-Mushonga, despite strong objections from Ncube.
Mutambara told journalists he pulled out of the presidential race to avoid divisions within his party, though it was clear he failed to garner any support from the party’s provinces, including Manicaland where he hails from.
There were futile behind the scenes manoeuvres from some in the party to have Mutambara take up the vice-presidency, which has been vacant since the death of Gibson Sibanda in August. Party spokesman Edwin Mushoriwa confirmed that Mutambara is stepping down as president.
‘It’s true I can confirm he’s (Mutambara) stepping down. It’s a decision that he made and announced over the weekend. On the other hand I can confirm Welshman Ncube has received overwhelming support from the party’s provinces to take over,’ Mushoriwa said.
Asked what will happen to Mutambara when he ceases to be the party leader, in relation to his post as deputy Prime Minister in the unity government, Mushoriwa said it is clear in the GPA that a party leader automatically becomes a principal in the unity government.
‘I don’t know how the government will approach that matter but as far as what is contained in the GPA, say when Ncube takes over the party presidency, he is expected to assume the role of principal in the inclusive government,’ Mushoriwa said.
Ncube, believed to be the instigator behind the split in the MDC in 2005, is poised to take over the party leadership without any contest.
‘As far as I know, I don’t think anyone has yet to challenge him and it looks like we might approach the election without a challenger at all,’ Mushoriwa added.
Mushoriwa told us the nomination process is still in progress and the party will get a clear picture of those nominated to stand for election, in two weeks time.
Mushoriwa has been nominated to stand for the vice-presidency and will fight it out against JOMIC member, Frank Chamunorwa.
Ncube’s close confidante and fellow party negotiator, Misihairabwi-Mushonga, has been nominated to be the secretary-general, with Moses Mzila Ndlovu as her deputy.
Paul Themba Nyathi has been nominated to take the treasurer general’s position, with Theresa Marimazhira as his deputy.
Surprisingly, one of the star ministers in the coalition government, Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister David Coltart, does not feature in any of the nominations, including Bulawayo province where he is Senator.
‘It’s not that he will not feature in the upper echelons of the party. Coltart is a very strategic member and because of his expertise he will be accommodated. There are many influential positions where individuals will be appointed and not elected, so Coltart remains very much in the picture,’ according to Mushoriwa.