Douglas Mwonzora, leader of the MDC-T, challenges the High Court’s decision nullifying the 2022 congress, alleging Zanu PF’s influence in the judgment. He asserts the necessity of adhering to Zimbabwe’s constitutional presidential term limits and expresses determination to combat the 2030 agenda of President Mnangagwa. Furthermore, Mwonzora prepares for a new party congress following the court’s ruling, indicating ongoing factional disputes within the MDC-T.
Douglas Mwonzora, the president of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T), is expressing outrage after the High Court invalidated the party’s 2022 ordinary congress. Mwonzora alleges that the ruling was influenced by Zanu PF, aimed at suppressing his appeals for Zimbabweans to resist President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 2030 agenda, which seeks to extend his presidency beyond the two constitutional terms concluding in 2028.
Justice Hapias Zhou of the High Court mandated Mwonzora to resign and arrange for a new congress within six months, citing irregularities during his rise to the party leadership in the 2022 congress. In response to the verdict, Mwonzora directed his criticisms towards Zanu PF and its support for Mnangagwa’s 2030 agenda, asserting, “We will never allow anybody to intimidate us against fighting the 2030 agenda.”
Mwonzora emphasized that the MDC-T is committed to defending the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe. He reminded the populace that they were integral to the Constitution’s creation and expressed that the nation must adhere to the ten-year presidential term limit. He stated, “after the expiry of your term in 2028, go home, and nothing is going to intimidate us from this path.”
In further remarks, Mwonzora revealed that MDC-T has consolidated its alliances with other progressive groups like political parties, churches, and civil organizations to oppose Mnangagwa’s perceived ambition of becoming a lifelong president. He remains confident about a potential fresh vote, saying he is prepared to defend his leadership in a new congress.
Mwonzora is determined to confront any challengers in matters of party leadership, highlighting that past congresses have seen factional disputes and allegations of misconduct. He anticipates an electoral victory, asserting that Zanu PF is also aware of potential outcomes that favor him.
Following the 2022 ordinary congress, Mwonzora was endorsed as the primary candidate for the 2023 elections, alongside Chief Ndlovu and Paurina Mpariwa as vice presidents. Subsequently, a legal challenge arose from party members wanting to invalidate the congress, resulting in the recent High Court judgment nullifying it on procedural grounds, and mandating the formation of a new leadership assembly by mid-2025, overseen by an independent election commission.
In summary, Douglas Mwonzora of the MDC-T has reacted strongly to the High Court’s nullification of the party’s congress, attributing the ruling to Zanu PF’s maneuvers against his resistance to President Mnangagwa’s ambitions. He affirms his commitment to the constitutional limits of presidential terms and expresses readiness for upcoming internal party elections. The court’s decision necessitates a new congress within six months, indicating ongoing political tensions within the party and the broader political landscape of Zimbabwe.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
