MDC-T president Douglas Mwonzora reacted angrily to a High Court ruling that nullified the party’s 2022 congress, claiming Zanu PF influenced the decision to undermine opposition against President Mnangagwa’s 2030 agenda. The court’s order for Mwonzora to depart and organize a new congress within six months stems from reported irregularities. Despite these challenges, Mwonzora emphasized the commitment to resist intimidation and uphold Zimbabwe’s constitutional framework, ready to defend his leadership in forthcoming elections.
Douglas Mwonzora, president of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T), expressed deep dissatisfaction following a High Court ruling that invalidated the party’s 2022 ordinary congress. He stated that the ruling was manipulated by Zanu PF as a strategy to suppress opposition to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 2030 agenda, which aims to extend Mnangagwa’s presidential term beyond the constitutionally established limit. Justice Hapias Zhou ordered Mwonzora to resign, necessitating a fresh congress within six months due to electoral irregularities.
In his response, Mwonzora fiercely criticized Zanu PF and its agenda, asserting, “We will never allow anybody to intimidate us against fighting the 2030 agenda.” He emphasized that his party, being a key contributor to the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe, is committed to upholding constitutional principles. Mwonzora reiterated the people’s mandate for term limits on presidential service, underscoring the expectation that Mnangagwa should vacate office after 2028.
Furthermore, Mwonzora claimed that MDC-T has allied with various progressive groups, including political entities, religious organizations, and war veterans, to resist Mnangagwa’s attempts to position himself as a life president. He expressed readiness to defend his leadership position during a new congress, stating, “I am willing to face anyone in a congress.”
When recounting the party’s previous congress in 2020, Mwonzora noted his decisive victory against rival candidates, despite their allegations of misconduct during the voting process. Despite the controversies, Mwonzora secured the presidency with 883 votes, leading to the 2022 congress endorsing him as the party’s presidential candidate for the upcoming elections.
The recent court ruling has ignited further legal challenges against the validity of the prior congresses, with former candidates pushing for new elections. Justice Zhou’s ruling specified that the 2022 congress failed to comply with the MDC-T’s constitutional requirements, mandating a new national congress be held within the stipulated timeframe, supervised by an independent electoral commission to ensure fairness and compliance with the party’s regulations.
The High Court’s recent ruling against MDC-T’s 2022 congress serves as a significant political event, highlighting internal party conflicts and external pressures faced by the opposition. Mwonzora’s vehement opposition to Zanu PF’s actions illustrates a steadfast commitment to electoral integrity and constitutional adherence. The impending fresh congress will provide a critical platform for intra-party leadership contests, shaping the MDC-T’s strategy as Zimbabwe approaches the 2023 general elections.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
