Tsvangirai is a dictator too, so it seems

While there is a wide assumption that the 31 July elections were massively and tactfully rigged in favour of Zanu-PF, however the process has exposed that even the MDC-T leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, is a dictator too, so it seems.

Tsvangirai, who never anticipated that Zanu-PF could do absolutely anything within their reach to ascertain victory, even promised on 30 November 2012 in Gweru while addressing his party members that he would step down if ever he loses this year's elections. However, The MDC leader who accuses Mugabe of clinging to power failed to honour his promise after being thumped dismally in the elections that have since been endorsed by SADC and African Union.

Just after the official election results were announced, Tsvangirai made a U-turn and revealed he does not have any immediate plans to step down as MDC-T leader despite woefully fluffing his latest attempt to dislodge President Robert Mugabe from power.

Adding more to the germinating feeling that the opposition leader is also a dictator, Tsvangirai has been accused by senior MDC members and also other members of his party of relying on imposing mayors in various cities of the country in a bid to save his party from totally crumbling following the landslide victory he suffered at the hands of Mugabe's revolutionary Zanu-PF.

However, Tsvangirai has denied that he was imposing mayors in Bulawayo and Harare.

"People say I am a dictator. However, I am a leader who makes decisions. I consult before acting as opposed to simply giving orders. People are saying we are imposing mayors but the truth is that we are choosing the best candidates to ensure effective service delivery," said Tsvangirai told supporters in Bulawayo yesterday.

He said after losing to Zanu-PF in the elections, which he maintained were rigged, local authorities were the only autonomous entities where the party could excel to prove its worth.

Tsvangirai has selected National University of Science and Technology (Nust) lecturer Dr Mandla Nyathi to be the next Bulawayo mayor and Ward 3 Councillor Martin K Moyo to be his deputy.  Dr Nyathi's candidature is however being resisted by  a number of councillors and other senior party members.

An official from the party said Mr Tsvangirai first held one-on-one interviews with party members who had applied for the posts.

"I think the outcome was predetermined. We are not happy with Dr Nyathi's candidature. A majority of people preferred Phulu (Kucaca a city lawyer). I believed for years that there is democracy in our party but today I have finally admitted that there is no democracy in the MDC-T," said the official.
Councillors are supposed to elect a mayor and his deputy at their first sitting and they are free to disregard the party directive.

Tsvangirai has endorsed the candidature of Mr Obert Gutu to contest the Harare mayor's post and the deputy mayor's post will be contested by Mr Thomas Muzuva.

In Chitungwiza, he has endorsed the candidature of Mr Isaac Manyemba in what has been viewed by many within and outside the party as imposition of candidates. MDC-T youths have reportedly written a petition questioning the party's internal democratic systems and processes, including the imposition of mayoral candidates.