Douglas Mwonzora, president of the MDC-T, reacted vehemently to a High Court ruling that invalidated the party’s 2022 congress due to irregularities. He attributed the ruling to Zanu PF’s interference aimed at countering his opposition to President Mnangagwa’s 2030 agenda. Mwonzora affirmed his commitment to the 2013 Constitution’s term limits and is prepared for a new leadership congress, reflecting deep political tensions in Zimbabwe.
Douglas Mwonzora, the president of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T), expressed profound frustration following a recent High Court ruling that invalidated the party’s 2022 congress. Mwonzora alleges that Zanu PF orchestrated the ruling to undermine his campaign urging Zimbabweans to oppose President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 2030 agenda, which seeks to extend his presidency beyond the constitutionally permitted two terms set to end in 2028.
Justice Hapias Zhou, presiding over the case, mandated Mwonzora to resign and convene a new congress within six months due to procedural irregularities highlighted in the previous 2022 congress. In response, Mwonzora vehemently criticized Zanu PF and its supporters, affirming his commitment to fight against what he termed the 2030 agenda.
Mwonzora stated, “We will never allow anybody to intimidate us against fighting the 2030 agenda.” He emphasized that his party is a significant stakeholder in the 2013 Constitution, which was developed with public involvement during its drafting and subsequent referendum. Mwonzora reiterated that the Constitution stipulates a maximum two terms for a president, asserting, “after the expiry of your term in 2028, go home.”
In light of the ruling necessitating fresh leadership elections within his party, Mwonzora declared his readiness to defend his presidency through a democratic process. He confidently stated, “…when the time comes, we will hold congress and I, as president of the MDC-T, am willing to face anyone in a congress.”
Mwonzora previously triumphed at the 2020 extraordinary congress, securing a significant victory amidst allegations of malpractices from rival candidates. Following a 2022 congress that endorsed him for the upcoming elections, dissenting candidates challenged its legitimacy, leading to the recent High Court intervention. On February 28, 2025, Justice Zhou ruled that the 2022 congress did not comply with the MDC-T Constitution, mandating a new assembly within six months.
Overall, this ruling and Mwonzora’s reaction underscore ongoing tensions within Zimbabwe’s political landscape and the contestation for leadership within the MDC-T, reflecting broader issues surrounding governance and constitutional integrity in the country.
The High Court’s nullification of the MDC-T’s 2022 congress has intensified the political struggle in Zimbabwe, with Mwonzora blaming Zanu PF for undermining his leadership. He remains resolute in opposing the 2030 agenda, advocating for constitutional adherence, and preparing to defend his presidency in upcoming party elections. This ongoing situation illustrates the complexities of Zimbabwean politics and the pivotal role of constitutional governance within it.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
