Biti faces rebellion over alliance

THE People’s Democratic Party (PDP) led by Mr Tendai Biti is divided on proposals to join the MDC Alliance led by Mr Morgan Tsvangirai.

The PDP is part of the Congress of Democrats (Code) alliance of opposition parties, but Mr Biti is negotiating with Mr Tsvangirai to join the MDC Alliance.

Mr Biti, who is also Code chairperson attended the launch of the MDC Alliance recently and now all is not well in his camp.

PDP’s Bulawayo province spokesperson Mr Edwin Ndlovu said they will not accept the name MDC Alliance and they were demanding not less than 20 parliamentary seats to be reserved for the party.

“At the end of day we want the seats that we proposed as the Parliament has 210 seats now. The worst scenario is getting 21 seats we had until MDC-T recalled our MPs. If that doesn’t happen we will certainly be out of that coalition,” he said.

He said Mr Biti should negotiate while presenting the views of the party and not his personal opinions.

PDP’s national spokesperson Mr Jacob Mafume admitted that all was not well in the processes.

“It’s part of the negotiations I’m sure the MDC-T is not happy to offer, people are not happy with what they are being offered. So we have communicated our position,” said Mr Mafume.

“Political parties are not choirs whereby when you sing you must have perfect harmony. Political parties are organic groupings which are a collection of interests of individuals, with sometimes conflicting views, opinions.

“The issue of holding a party together is to find complementarity within your diversity.” — @ nqotshili