Mutambara seen staying as DPM

New Zimbabwe.com

3 January 2011

ANALYSTS have said Deputy Prime Minister Professor Arthur Mutambara – who is set to be replaced as leader of his MDC party – could yet retain his position in the coalition government.

Mutambara was appointed Deputy Prime Minister by President Robert Mugabe by virtue of being leader of a faction of the MDC, but the former student leader is set to be replaced at the party’s national congress due over the weekend.

Industry and Commerce Minister, Welshman Ncube — currently the party’s Secretary General — is a shoe-in for the party’s next president after being nominated by ten of its 12 administrative provinces.

A statement released by party spokesman, Edwin Mushoriwa, shows that Ncube is unchallenged for the presidency. Mushoriwa leads nominations for the deputy president.

Mutambara has since indicated that he would not be available for re-election but, with the party’s provinces nominating Ncube anyway, his offer to step aside was always going to be a moot point.

Still, despite confirming he was stepping aside, having “done my part”, Mutambara curiously insisted that he would not “be going anywhere”.

However, MDC activists unhappy with his leadership want Mutambara recalled from the coalition government and replaced by the party’s new leader.

But constitutional law expert, Dr Lovemore Madhuku, said Mutambara could remain Deputy Prime Minister even if he is removed from the leadership of the MDC.

“There is no such language as recalling in this country. It’s the ANC language and it’s nonsensical. Mutambara was sworn in by the President in terms of Amendment number 19 Act and that is the Constitution,” Madhuku said.

“It is only (President) Mugabe who can either force him to resign or dismiss him, if he is not happy with his performance. The GPA is not the Constitution and is a separate arrangement. So, Mutambara is likely to complete his term in the inclusive government,” he added.

The strife-torn coalition government may yet last longer than initially expected following indications that elections demanded by Mugabe could be postponed.

The Zanu PF leader had insisted that elections must be held by June to replace the coalition government arguing the fractious administration was no longer fit for purpose.

But state media over the weekend suggested the polls may be delayed to allow for the completion of ongoing constitutional reforms.

Meanwhile, Ncube said Education Minister, David Coltart, who has not been nominated for his position could still remain the party’s legal secretary.

“The position of secretary for legal affairs is not up for nomination, but rather that person is elected by the NEC,” Ncube said.

He added that the party’s provinces were probably happy with Coltart’s performance as legal affairs secretary and wanted to retain him in that portfolio.

The MDC has six seats in the Senate and holds 10 Parliamentary seats.

In the coalition government, the party was allocated four cabinet positions and also provided two deputy ministers.