Parliament Orders MDC-T to Settle MP Dispute in Court
The Morgan Tsvangirai faction appealed to parliament to expel Biti, Willas Madzimure, Paul Madzore and other MPs after they recently revolted against Tsvangirai
WASHINGTON DC — The speaker of parliament on Thursday said he has no jurisdiction to decide on the internal fissures in the MDC formation of former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai. In a statement, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, said neither he nor the president of the Senate have the powers to deal with the squabbles in the MDC-T. Mudenda urged the warring factions of the opposition MDC to seek redress in the courts. This follows two letters written to him by expelled MDC-T secretary general Tendai Biti and suspended deputy party president Thokozani Khupe. Biti said in his capacity as secretary general of the MDC-T, he had the power to recall legislators from parliament. Khupe, in her letter to Mudenda, claimed that as leader of the opposition in parliament she was the one who had the powers to recall errant lawmakers. This follows a decision by Tsvangirai’s faction to recall nine legislators from the august house after they attended a meeting on the 26 of April in Harare convened by Biti. Biti’s and his so-called renewal team resolved to suspend Tsvangirai and six other top party officials, including Khupe. Mudenda said it was not the duty of parliament or senate to interfere with internal matters of any political party. Spokesperson Jacob Mafume for the those calling for leadership renewal in the MDCT welcomed the speaker’s decision. Mafume said it was now up to Tsvangirai and his team to approach the courts because they are the ones who are suspended, adding that they do not recognize the expulsion of Biti and other legislators by Tsvangirai and his team. MDC-T spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora who is aligned to Tsvangirai also welcomed the speaker’s decision. Mwonzora said his faction will proceed to recall the nine affected legislators who are siding with Biti. Those facing ejection from parliament include Biti himself, Solomon Madzore, Paul Madzore, Willas Madzimure, Bhekithemba Nyathi, Reggie Moyo, Settlement Chikwinya, Moses Manyangavana, Evelyn Masaiti and senator Watchy Sibanda