MDC putting out fires as Zimbabwe elections near

A LACKLUSTRE address by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai at the 13th-anniversary commemorations of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party held in Bulawayo at the weekend, failed to inspire confidence that the country’s largest opposition party was ready to take on Zanu (PF) in the looming elections.

The celebrations — held under the theme, The Last Mile: Towards Real Transformation — coincided with the launch of the MDC’s election campaign.

President Robert Mugabe last week gave the strongest indication yet that elections may be held in March next year. Mr Mugabe is seeking to stay off pressure from the high court to announce a date for by-elections in vacant constituencies to be held. He has argued that the country cannot afford to successively hold a mini-election, followed up by a referendum vote next month and harmonised elections next March.

Political observers say the problems affecting the MDC — include Mr Tsvangirai’s private life, factionalism, and allegations of corruption among party leaders — have forced the party to assume a “fire-fighting strategy” on the eve of crucial elections.

“The MDC is ill-prepared for elections, it is trying to regroup and organise itself…. If an elec- tion were to be held tomorrow, there could be disastrous results as the party is putting out too many man-made fires,” political analyst Trevor Maisiri from the International Crisis Group said.

Lawton Hikwa, a lecturer at the National University of Science and Technology, said, “The celebrations certainly gave the leadership a chance to affirm their membership, review and take stock of all the issues that could impede their success in the polls. From now on, I imagine the party leadership will draw out an election strategy of what issues they will offer to voters.”

In Bulawayo, Mr Tsvangirai sought to deflect questions on his fitness for leadership and muddied private life with an apology.

Political observers say the problems affecting the MDC have forced the party to assume a ‘fire-fighting strategy’

“I know that the journey I have travelled to make this choice (of a wife) has been rough and rugged.… I would like to apologise to anyone who was hurt because it was not my intention as it was a genuine search for a new wife,” he said.

He has been linked to four women, who each claim he promised to marry them.

Mr Tsvangirai also defended the decision to join the coalition government in 2009, and argued it had offered “relief” to weary Zimbabweans weighed down by the economic meltdown.

Meanwhile, political violence and intimidation has been on the increase, with a busload of MDC supporters beaten up by Zanu (PF) supporters on their way to the celebrations in Shangani at the weekend.

A fortnight ago, supporters of the MDC led by Welshman Ncube were beaten up in Mutoko by Zanu (PF) youths who disrupted a campaign rally hosted by the party.

Mr Ncube said yesterday his party would consider pulling out of elections if violence reached “unacceptable” levels.