[How very sad. Mugabe and his crony jerks must be laughing their heads off at this one. And what’s the bet that its their secret infiltrators who engineered this. I believe in leadership. Tsvangirai had his faults, but I did like certain things in his style. Of course I would have liked to see someone tougher take his place. But this does not seem to be the case. So I think this split in the MDC and the suspension of Tsvangirai could be the death knell of the MDC and any hope for Zim.

What Zim needs is TOUGH, TOUGH *TOUGH* anti-Mugabe *LEADERS*. Firm leadership – determination – men – yes, MEN, with FIGHTING SPIRIT to take on that bastard from hell, Mugabe. Mugabe and his crooks and murderers need some FIRM opposition from MEN with a WILL OF STEEL. That’s the only way. Nothing else will work. Jan]

MDC leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai has been suspended from the party for allegedly wilfully violating the party’s constitution and falsely announcing that the national council vote on participation in the Senate elections had ended in a stalemate.

In a letter dated November 24, chairman of the MDC national disciplinary committee Mr Gibson Sibanda, who is also vice-president of the party, notified Mr Tsvangirai that he had been suspended.

Mr Tsvangirai, however, dismissed his suspension, saying only the MDC national congress had the power to dismiss him.

“Let me make reference to an unfortunate attempt to suspend me from the leadership of this party through a letter dated 24 November 2005 written by my deputy, (Mr) Gibson Sibanda.

“The MDC constitution allows nobody except congress to suspend or dismiss the President.

“Resorting to unconstitutional tactics that play into the hands of Zanu-PF reflects the desperate and immature state of mind gripping my erstwhile comrades.

“We are, therefore, referring this matter to the people through the national council and subsequently to our national congress,” Mr Tsvangirai said.

He added that a meeting of the full MDC national council would be convened in Harare this week to discuss the development and other issues rocking the opposition party.

The latest developments in the MDC could set the stage for a bitter fight between the feuding factions in the party.

Mr Sibanda said Mr Tsvangirai had been suspended for misrepresenting the party’s position to the provincial leadership and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, as well as for addressing rallies calling for a boycott of the just-ended Senate elections.

These are the same accusations Mr Sibanda laid out against his boss in a charge sheet he released on October 19, just a week after the national council meeting which precipitated the ongoing intra-party squabbles.

“Mr Tsvangirai is suspended from performing any functions as MDC leader and will not be allowed to hold meetings under the MDC banner. He has also been barred from visiting MDC offices, including Harvest House, and (is) to surrender all MDC property except two vehicles issued for his personal use,” Mr Sibanda said.

He added that Mr Tsvangirai would be advised of a date when the national disciplinary committee would meet to discuss his misconduct.

Observers have, however, queried why Mr Tsvangirai, who stands accused of violating the party’s constitution, is now appealing to the same document for protection.

In his October 19 indictment of Mr Tsvangirai, Mr Sibanda revealed that the MDC constitution considers all elected officials as office bearers subject to the disciplinary procedures affecting all other members.

The MDC has been split into two distinct camps, following differences brought to the fore by disagreements over participation in Senate elections.

One faction, which participated in the poll, is co-led by Mr Sibanda and party secretary-general Professor Welshman Ncube.

The other is led by Mr Tsvangirai.

From: The Herald (Harare)
Date: November 28, 2005

Source: AllAfrica.Com
URL: http://allafrica.com/stories/200511281110.htm…/p>