Zimbabwe Opposition Tries to Compose Differences Over Senate Election
As the Movement for Democratic Change tries to repair an internal schism over contesting November senate elections, preparations for th
Divisions within Zimbabwe’s opposition Movement for Democratic Change over whether or not to contest November senate elections are deepening amid reports that some senior party officials may boycott a mediation session set for later this week. Party spokesman Paul Themba Nyathi confirmed it is possible that the deeply divided party may seek outside assistance in resolving the dispute, which has pitted President Morgan Tsvangirai against a number of senior headquarters and provincial officials. Mr. Tsvangirai overrode a close Oct. 12 vote by the MDC National Council in favor of contesting elections to select 50 of 66 members of the reconstituted senate brought forth by the ruling party through constitutional amendment legislation.The opposition opposed the amendment bill but the ruling party holds a two-thirds majority. Provincial party branches are split in the matter, though Mr. Tsvangirai received a boost on Tuesday when the party provinces of Manicaland and Midlands South came down in support of his position. However, the MDC stronghold of Matabeleland is determined to field candidates, and others are moving in the same direction. Election preparations moved ahead. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission extended the deadline for voter registration and list inspection, which expired on Sunday. And nomination courts are scheduled to sit around the country next week. Zimbabwe’s Electoral Act says an aspiring candidate must be nominated by 10 people from the same province, and that a senior party official must sign the nomination form. Legal expert Lovemore Madhuku, chairman of the National Constitutional Assembly, said any any senior party official can endorse such nominations – meaning that Mr. Tsvangirai cannot prevent other senior officials from giving candidates the nod. Zimbabwe Election Support Network Chairman Reginald Matchaba Hove commented that the senate elections are already marred by disorganization and confusion. MDC officials in several provinces say they plan primary elections this week to select candidates to contest the senate elections. Such opposition officials say they support the National Council in the controversy over Mr. Tsvangirai’s executive powers.