MDC-N and MDC Renewal deal sealed

The much fancied MDC (Ncube) and MDC Renewal Team deal is done and sealed.

Sources within the Renewal Team who attended the new party's national consultative meeting in Bulawayo last week revealed to Bulawayo24 that a deal uniting the two parties has tentatively been sealed.

The sources claim that the deal only involves the two parties following the collapse of the proposed grand coalition.

The sources indicate that the grand coalition which was to be named CODE short for Coalition Of Democrates collapsed after the other two parties to the deal ZAPU and MKD showed less commitment to the arrangement.

The sources claim that ZAPU led by Dumiso Dabengwa was reluctant to be part of the deal as they await the outcome of the ZANU PF December congress where Dabengwa is expected to be re-invited into ZANU PF for a second unity accord and be offered the controversial vice presidency position.

Simba Makoni's MKD is said to have been reluctant to join the coalition due to its commitment to the Morgan Tsvangirai led MDC T which will also hold its congress in October. Makoni is also said to be earmarking a pact with Tsvangirai after the congress.

The sources further indicated that the two parties have agreed to merge under one name which is yet to be decided. The new party is expected to hold its congress in March next year to endorse the new name, colours and elect new leadership.

In the meantime the parties are said to be going out on a massive drive to constitute their structures in preparation for the congress. The sources indicated that the new party will most likely be led by Tendai Biti with Professor Welshman Ncube and Sekai Holland being the two deputies.