Grand coalition faces collapse

OPPOSITION parties' plan to gang up against Zanu-PF in the next harmonised elections are hanging in the balance as the parties accuse each other of backstabbing and being the ruling party's projects.

In May five opposition parties formed what they called a grand coalition, which they said would give them a better chance against Zanu-PF.

The five are Mavambo Kusile Dawn (MKD) led by Simba Makoni, Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe (RDZ) fronted by Elton Mangoma, the Professor Welshman Ncube-led Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Democratic Assembly for Restoration and Empowerment (DARE) led by Gilbert Dzikiti and Zimbabweans United for Democracy (ZUNDE) whose president is Farai Mbira.

Dr Joice Mujuru's ZimPF has, lately, been included in the coalition talks.

However, negotiations seem to have hit a snag as the groups do not trust each other.

This comes following defections to ZimPF by PDP vice president Dr Samuel Sipepa Nkomo who took 50 members with him.

The party's Bulawayo provincial assembly met over the weekend to reflect on the defections and map the way forward.

PDP's provincial chairperson Mr Edwin Ndlovu said the assembly resolved that the national leadership should not join the coalition without learning of ZimPF's motives.

"Even though the party is known to be leading in coalition talks, the Bulawayo province is now wary of ZimPF and now believes it's a Zanu-PF project to destabilise the opposition. The province has asked the national executive to scrutinise ZimPF thoroughly before signing anything with them as they might be working for Zanu-PF," said Mr Ndlovu.

He said the party's provincial leadership expressed dissatisfaction over the inclusion of ZimPF in the grand coalition.

Mr Ndlovu said the provincial assembly were worried that Zanu-PF rejects Dr Mujuru and Messrs Dzikamai Mavhaire and Didymus Mutasa could be working for the ruling party.

Mr Ndlovu said the provincial assembly recommended to the party's national leadership to continue working with other parties on the fizzling grand coalition.

He said they resolved that the party should swiftly replace Dr Sipepa Nkomo.

Mr Ndlovu declined to name the candidates that were targeting Dr Sipepa Nkomo's post but sources within the embattled opposition party said six members were eyeing the VP's post.

"The party is ready to replace him. We've candidates that have shown interest in taking up his position. These include Patrick Thaba Moyo who is former Bulawayo Mayor and the party's national executive member, George Mkhwananzi the party's deputy spokesperson, Prof Philani Moyo a national executive member, Kucaca Phulu former provincial chairman, Sikhumbuzo Ndiweni national executive member, Pastor Dumiso Matshazi national executive member, Mqondobanzi Magonya another national executive member," said the source.

ZimPF spokesperson Mr Methuseli Moyo declined to reveal his party's position regarding the grand coalition.

Mr Moyo said those political parties who have been commenting about the grand coalition should continue doing so.