The opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Nelson Chamisa could have finally found a solution to the vice Presidency question after opting to relegate party stalwart Morgan Komichi to pave way for Tendai Biti and Professor Welshman Ncube to deputize him, an inside source has revealed.
Four party heavyweights namely Biti, Ncube, Komichi and Zvishavane legislator Lilian Timveos dominated the just ended nomination process for the vice presidency position that also has Elias Mudzuri and Lynette Karenyi.
Chamisa who was elected unopposed is believed to have resolved to award his most loyal ally Morgen Komichi with secretary for elections while giving vice presidency preference to Professor Ncube and Biti who will also be joined by a woman following a National Council resolution to that effect.
The inside source told 263Chat that Chamisa had decided to go with Biti, Ncube and Karenyi while Komichi will be assigned another position that allows him to seat in the Standing Committee.
“Biti is the most preferred cadre by the President and the structures across the party. His financial and technical prowess is what Chamisa needs by his side. He has been central to the popular party manifesto dubbed “SMART.” What this document envisages for Zimbabwe across all sectors is fascinating. And surely the man (Biti) deserves a post in the presidium.
”His etiquette and policy articulation at political gatherings all play in his favor for the vice presidency post,” the source said.
The source further disputed that Professor Ncube will become another Chamisa’s deputy on the basis of his regional credentials charging that political wisdom and maturity has earned the party’s former secretary general trust from the structures as indicated by eight nominations he received out of 13 provinces.
“For Professor Welshman, it is not only because of the regional political lenses being applied. It is his rich political wisdom and extra ordinary capacity he has demonstrated since readmission. His maturity and intellect has gained himself trust from the party. He applies reasoning and is rarely taken over by emotions when decisions are made within the presidium and standing committee.
“He came back to the party transformed and is committed to the agenda of change the party seeks to attain for the benefit of the people of Zimbabwe,” the source said.
The source hinted that Chamisa had decided to appoint Komichi to the position of Secretary for Elections, a position currently held by Harare Central legislator Murisi Zwizwai.
“Komichi will be appointed Secretary for elections ultimately becoming a member of the Standing Committee. His loyalty is unquestionable and the President will be delighted to have him in the most crucial organ of the party,” said the source.
When reached for comment party spokesperson Jacob Mafume could not deny nor confirm but said the party’s national council made a unanimous decision to appreciate gender lenses in the presidium.
“The position made was that the party must have gender consideration in the presidium. The modalities for a woman to be included will be handled by the party leadership and the independent electoral body,” Mafume said.
Mafume could not be drawn to comment on the sticking question of Komichi being relegated from the vice presidency insisting that the May congress will handle that.
Komichi is one of the few party heavyweights who rallied behind Chamisa when he outsmarted former vice Presidents Thokozani Khupe and Elias Mudzuri following the death of the party’s founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai in February 2018.
