Maravi

(NEWZIMBABWE) Tsvangirai says won’t quit

Tsvangirai says won’t quit
by Staff Reporter
03/10/2010 00:00:00

PRIME Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has insisted he will not relinquish the MDC-T presidency as required under the party’s constitution which imposes a maximum two term limit of five years each on the leadership. The party reacted angrily to media reports suggesting Tsvangirai would quit as MDC-T leader at the party’s congress expected to be held after the next general elections.

An independent weekly reported Tsvangirai would make way for a new leader but stay on as head of state if he manages to win Presidential elections widely expected to be held next year.

However, the party dismissed the reports as “false, malicious” and claimed they were deliberately aimed at sowing the “seeds of confusion, despondency and uncertainty in the country”.

The MDC-T has since passed a resolution postponing from year-end its elective congress where a new leader is expected to be chosen.

The congress will now only be held after general elections which both Tsvangirai and President Robert Mugabe have indicated will most likely be held next year.

The development triggered speculation that Tsvangirai – who has been at the helm of the party since its formation more than ten years ago - would step down as party leader but stay on as head of state should he beat Mugabe at the elections.

But in a statement the MDC-T said there was no appetite for leadership change in the party.

“The MDC family is happy and comfortable with the leadership and stewardship of president Tsvangirai and the real change team,” the statement read.

The party said it was presently exercised with turning around the country’s economy and instituting political reforms.

“The issues dominating debate in the MDC are anchored on the people’s agenda for real change; for good governance; for a prosperous Zimbabwe; and for a violence-free society.

“Anything else, outside these basic needs, has yet to find a place in the dominant discourse inside the party,” the statement read.

Last year there were reports the party had dropped clauses relating to the presidential term limits raising fears Tsvangirai wanted to cling on to power.

But party spokesperson Nelson Chamisa insisted there would be no changes to the party’s charter.

“We are a democratic movement and we believe in constitutions and constitutionalism. The constitution was never changed and it will not be changed.

“We believe in (democratic) change and not changing constitutions,” said Chamisa.

Still, in what may be a telling comment, the statement issued on Friday insisted the congress would be held in terms of the party’s constitution.

“For the avoidance of confusion, the MDC shall hold its congress in line with the dictates of the Party’s constitution and as re-emphasised by the National Council at its last meeting in Kadoma,” the statement read.

Labels: MDC, MORGAN TSVANGIRAI

posted by MrK @ 1:45 PM