Chamisa will be at the helm of MDC for the next 5 years

MDC bigwigs vying for top positions at the party's looming congress will next week come under scrutiny when they meet ordinary members to pitch their plans ahead of the big gathering set for Gweru later this month.

The country's opposition party will hold its congress in the Midlands provincial capital from 24-26 - to choose the new leadership following the death of its iconic late founding father - Morgan Tsvangirai who died in February last year.

Interim leader Nelson Chamisa will be at the helm of the MDC for the next five years after he was nominated unopposed by all provinces.

MDC spokesperson Jacob Mafume yesterday said the bigwigs vying for the top posts which include three slots for vice president, will make presentations to party members and field questions during question and answer segments.

"The party mandated the commission to organise caucuses for those contesting each other to table before members and the public what they will offer the party and country if elected.

"These debates shall be open to the public, the media and shall be streamed live on the party's official social media platforms. The commission shall appoint independent moderators for these debates.

"They will respond to questions from members of the party and this is good for democracy," Mafume said.

Fierce debate is expected from candidates vying for vice president's posts

Those vying to deputise Chamisa include current VPs Morgen Komichi, Elias Mudzuri and Welshman Ncube.

The triumvirate will battle it out with other party bigwigs who include former Finance minister Tendai Biti, Lillian Timveos, Lynnet Karenyi-Kore, Paurina Mpariwa and former Zanu-PF MP Tracy Mutinhiri who have all secured nominations.

MDC secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora, who recently threw in the towel and put his weight behind Chamisa before opting to focus on retaining his position, will face a battle of monumental proportions against Chalton Hwende and Daniel Molokeli.

For the post of treasurer-general, former Education minister David Coltart is expected to square off against Tapiwa Mashakada.

Another huge fight is expected on the position of national youth assembly chairperson where current secretary-general  Lovemore Chinoputsa is set to battle it out with Obey Sithole, former student leader with the Zimbabwe National Students' Union.