MDC Alliance leader, Senator Douglas Mwonzora, Tuesday reshuffled his party leadership amid reports he is consolidating power to make sure his position is not contested at the party’s congress set for next month.

Mwonzora’s position is reportedly under threat, as senior party officials are arguing that his lack of popularity among Zimbabweans is the reason the party failed to retain any seat in the recent by-elections.

NewZimbabwe.com reports that the move is aimed at keeping his presidency.

However, addressing the media on Tuesday, Mwonzora said the move has been in the party’s plans all along, emphasising that his position is contestable. He said:

After the March 26 by-elections, we had our national council meeting and made resolutions for the party, and one of them was to embark on a serious restructuring exercise.

We are doing this restructuring so that we have delegates for congress, with a month to go. Candidates are allowed to canvas for support within the party.

The party is set to hold its congress following the party’s dismal performance at the 26 March-by-elections where it did not record a single win.

Some officials opted to leave the party crossing over to rival Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). 

The newly appointed officials:

i). Giles Mutsekwa has been appointed deputy national chairperson

ii). Paurina Mpariwa is the Secretary-General

iii). Tapiwa Mashakada deputy Secretary-General

iv). Tichivanani Mavetera has been appointed treasurer-general.

Others who have been given roles are Rhino Mashaya, Mukombwe Dube, Benevolence Taisekwa, Gift Chimanikire, Witness Dube and Festus Dumbu.

Source NewZimbabwe