Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Newly elected MDC-T president, Douglas Mwonzora has called for a national dialogue outside the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) platform that was initiated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
POLAD was initiated to house all presidential candidates in the 2018 elections but some, including MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa, snubbed the platform saying it was a platform to endorse Mnangagwa’s presidency.
The call is made when some analysts have said the impasse between the opposition and the ruling ZANU PF is worsening the economic, humanitarian and political crises in the country.
MDC-T’s position was revealed in a statement by party acting spokesperson Witness Dube following its National Standing Committee (NSC) meeting held virtually on Wednesday. Said Dube:
The MDC yesterday (Wednesday) held a virtual NSC meeting where President Mwonzora stressed unity in the party.
He submitted proposals for restructuring the party to be tabled to the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the National Council (NC).
He further spoke to the need for a constructive national dialogue in order to resolve the myriad of challenges facing our country today.
He envisages that such a dialogue to build synergies in nation building should be broadened to include other political players, churches and civic society.
President Mwonzora indicated that as a party, we have not been approached by any institution in that regard, but welcomed a resolution mandating the party to take initiatives on the same.
ZANU PF and MDC Alliance often agreed that there should be a national dialogue but differed on how to conduct it.
Chamisa demanded that the dialogue should be outside POLAD, demanded that a foreign independent convener be engaged and also suggested that Mnangagwa’s presidency be on the agenda.
On the other hand, ZANU PF wants Zimbabweans to lead the dialogue, says there will be no other platform outside POLAD and also says Mnangagwa won the 2018 election, therefore, his presidency will not be discussed.
MDC-T, under Thokozani Khupe, was in POLAD prompting some to say it was an appendage for the ruling ZANU PF.
More: NewZimbabwe
