/ 5 July 2013

Zim: Coalition talks falter

Zim: Coalition Talks Falter

Although Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn and Zanu Ndonga withdrew from the presidential race and threw their weight behind MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai last Friday, MDC leader Welshman Ncube and Zapu leader Dumiso Dabengwa, who are part of the coalition talks, filed their nomination papers to stand as candidates.

Sources in MDC-T and MDC said talks were continuing because it is still possible for parties to withdraw their candidates.

"But now talks are mainly centered on having one presidential candidate, who in this case is Tsvangirai because he has the biggest support base.

"Simba Makoni [Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn leader] and Zanu Ndonga have agreed to support Tsvangirai, so we hope Ncube and Dabengwa will withdraw [as candidates] because we need all votes," said a senior MDC-T official.

"There have been reports that Tsvangirai was against a coalition with Ncube, but the truth is that he understands how important it is to form an alliance. He has been emphasising this point at all rallies he has been addressing, so he will not be a stumbling block."

MDC-T spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora confirmed talks were still going on, but refused to comment on progress made.

However, sources said the two biggest obstacles to talks is the tension between Tsvangirai and Ncube, as well as senior officials in both camps who are against the coalition.

Last week, Tsvangirai's deputy Thokozani Khupe told Southern Eye she would not relinquish her post to Ncube.