'2030 talk a decoy'

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has issued a rallying call for Zimbabwe's opposition forces to unite ahead of the 2028 general elections, warning that continued fragmentation will weaken efforts to challenge the ruling Zanu-PF.

Speaking during a press conference in Harare, MDC vice-president Elias Mudzuri criticised ongoing discussions surrounding a possible 2030 presidential extension, describing the debate as a distraction from the constitutionally scheduled 2028 polls.

"The opposition party is not there and we are trying to build one," Mudzuri said.

"If we don't build an opposition party and concentrate on where Zanu-PF is saying 2030, we are not going to achieve anything. We must talk about 2028 — that is the constitutional position."

He further dismissed the 2030 narrative as a political diversion meant to draw focus away from electoral preparations.

"2030 to me is a decoy. Those people are friends, they are agreeing in some way," he said.

"Mnangagwa himself has expressed that he is not going to 2030. It would be a serious breach of the Constitution... we don't want 2030. No one wants 2030."

Mudzuri also addressed tensions over Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House, formerly Harvest House, which has been at the centre of disputes within the party. He said the party headquarters should not be a point of conflict but rather a centre for collaboration and rebuilding.

"Harvest House is not a place of battle. It is a place where we are all housed as MDC," he noted.

"The efforts we are making are not a fight against [Douglas] Mwonzora or any other leader, but a fight to bring back what used to be the MDC."

He confirmed that a proposed meeting meant to facilitate reconciliation among party factions was stalled due to security-related complications.

Mudzuri appealed to founding members, veterans of the movement and former supporters to return and participate in rebuilding the organisation, insisting that no single opposition formation currently has the strength to unseat Zanu-PF.

"There is not a single opposition movement or party strong enough to challenge Zanu-PF in 2028," he cautioned.

"We can change parties, we can form many names, but it won't make sense. We need to rejuvenate."

His remarks come amid increasing debate within Zimbabwe's political arena over succession dynamics and electoral strategy, as well as growing calls for reorganisation among opposition ranks ahead of the next constitutional election cycle.