By Chantel Takudzwa Zambukira
Former Movement for Democratic Change co-Vice President Elias Mudzuri has been suspended from the Douglas Mwonzora led outfit alongside six other members of the Harvest House Headquartered Party.
Mudzuri was suspended in terms of Clause 9.1.2.3 of the Party’s Constitution which states that the President shall supervise all office bearers in the National Leadership structures and may suspend on reasonable grounds for breach of Party’s Constitution, rules and regulations, any members of the National Standing Committee and National Executive Committee.
Zim GBC established this through a press release from the MDC-T that was released on Monday. We publish the statement below.
16 January 2023
Suspension of Party Members for Gross Misconduct
The Movement for Democratic Change has with effect today the 16th of January 2023 suspended the following members from the party pending investigations and disciplinary action:-
- Hon Senator Elias Mudzuri – former VP
- Mr. Norest Marara- Secretary for Party Business and Projects
- Mr. Gift Konjana – Chairperson Mashonaland West Province
- Mr. John Nyika- Chairperson Masvingo Province
- Mr Den Moyo Chairperson USA Province
- Mr. Edwin Dzambara- Secretary for Education
- Mr Edwin Kakora- National Executive Member
These members are facing serious disciplinary charges and their suspensions are in terms of Clause 9.1.2.3 of the Party’s Constitution. The hearing will be conducted in terms of the MDC Constitution and their rights as accused persons will be respected.
Mudzuri, a war veteran and former Harare Mayor has been at loggerhead with Party President Douglas Mwonzora for a while now.
Below we publish some of the statements that may have offended Mwonzora and his allies emanating from Elias Mudzuri’s twitter.
16 December 2022
We need selfless individuals who will stand up for their downtrodden and boldly defend MDC against the evil machinations of selfish and greedy individuals. The leaders must be free chosen by the base structures as we have always done.
16 December 2022
All members must be guaranteed the right to choose their leaders. At this time MDC needs principled nationalist leaders to steer the party out of this quagmire nationalist who will stand up against autocratic tendencies whether internal or external.
16 December 2022
In the midst of current challenges facing MDC members must introspect and craft a clear roadmap to take them to full realisation of what they have been fighting for in the past 22 years. Our crisis is leadership’s failure to uphold the basic Constitutional tenants of democracy.
15 December 2022
However, I am not abandoning the MDC party by my actions, I remain committed to the change agenda with the struggling members.
15 December 2022
Let me reiterate what I stated earlier. I will not stand for any position at the 18 December MDC Congress. I will only participate in a process where the branches, wards, districts, and provinces are involved by exercising their constitutional right to choose their leaders.
2 December 2023
Am not in agreement with the process so I stand conflicted to stand for any position until and unless the process becomes transparent and democratic including knowledge of the colligate from ward to province.
2 December 2022
Thank you to all members of the MDC family who have expressed their wish that I stand for re-election as 2nd Vice President of the Party at the coming 5th Congress. I will not submit myself for that election for any position. I will however remain a committed card carrying member.