. . . Misihairabwi-Mushonga shut out
THE MDC has excluded legislator Ms Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga from its list of party candidates to contest in the forthcoming harmonised elections in what insiders say is a culmination of her fallout with party leader Professor Welshman Ncube.
Ms Misihairabwi-Mushonga resigned from her post as MDC secretary-general a few years ago as the rift between her and Prof Ncube widened.
In an interview yesterday, MDC spokesman Mr Kurauone Chihwayi said the party had no special treatment for anyone and everyone should follow party procedure.
“Honourable Misihairabwi-Mushonga
Majome she is old and must herd donkeys wherever?”
She also said some party officials were saying she had been MP for 10 years and must give others a chance.
Ms Majome said there were other senior party officials like Mr Tapiwa Mashakada and Mr Innocent Gonese, who had been MPs for over 10 years.
She insisted that she was standing as an independent candidate in Harare West come election time.
Ms Majome also revealed that Mr Chamisa had invited her for talks.
She said a senior official in Mr Chamisa’s office, Mr Sessel Zvidzai, is not on the list because she did not apply as far as we are concerned. The former secretary-general is not on the list because she did not apply just like the other three sitting legislators we don’t have permanent seats or special treatment for anyone
phoned and indicated that he wanted to meet her.
Ms Majome said another top party official, Mr Morgan Komichi, also sought audience with her and they had a discussion.
“After hearing the news of my decision, Mr Morgan Komichi approached me. I availed myself to him because I respect the party leadership.
“Mr Komichi gave me an opportunity to explain myself while he listened. After the discussion, he indicated that he would get back to me,” she said.
Ms Majome said she was still MDC-T and was ready for dialogue.
“I am MDC-T. That is my party. I
“The MDC does not have a different approach for some individuals or sitting Members of Parliament,” said Mr Chihwayi.
He said the candidate selection process was conducted in a democratic and transparent manner in line with the party constitution.
“The MDC communicates through party structures and treats sitting and aspiring legislators with equal respect. As far as we know, Misihairabwi-Mushonga is still a hard worker and loyal cadre of the MDC led by Professor Welshman Ncube,” he said.
Ms Misihairabwi-Mushonga who is famed for her feminist activism which saw her bringing panties and sanitary wear to Parliament on Monday said she had not received official communication
love it dearly. I am not fighting my party. I do want my party to succeed in the election and I am open for dialogue,” she said. Ms Majome told her supporters in Harare West early this week that she was ready to contest as an independent candidate.
“Dear Harare Westerners, our journey together has not ended. You have shown me through the feedback you have given me that this cannot be the end,” she said.
Ms Majome said in view of the path she and her supporters had taken, they needed “all hands on deck” and invited volunteers to assist in various aspects of “this cause”. from the party but leaves with her head high.
In a long message on her Facebook page, the vocal MP said she wished the candidates well.
“There are many people who have capacity and perhaps better energy to take on Parliament role and it is important that they too are supported and encouraged to move forward. I therefore hold no grudge against the party for choosing to move forward without me.
“I was able to bring to Parliament a baby, sanitary wear, used panties. In spite of the backlash that my party must have suffered, at no point was I censured or felt the party was unhappy. I wish both the party and its candidate the best in the coming election,” wrote Misihairabwi-Mushonga.