Correspondent|MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa has said his party is geared for the elective Congress set for 24 to 26 May 2019, but expressed concern the ruling ZANU-PF might interfere in his party’s internal politics.

“I am telling ZANU PF not to meddle in our internal affairs. I heard them saying my term has expired; who are they to say so? Do I look like someone who has expired?” Chamisa said while addressing MDC supporters on Sunday at a Gweru rally.

Chamisa also said he is open to being challenged at the party’s Congress, but warned Zanu PF against meddling in the opposition party’s internal affairs.

Said Chamisa: “We are a matured, democratic and progressive party where all positions are up for contestation. That is what characterizes us as a democratic party. The congress is a democratic process to select leadership. It is a process to strengthen the party.”

The allegation was backed by party vice president Morgen Komichi.

“Zanu is going to give you money to influence the outcome of the congress,” Komichi claimed.

“They are working against Chamisa using party structures, but our party is not ruled by Zanu PF.

“At congress we don’t remove Chamisa a person who amassed 2,6 million votes … we are just going to endorse (him).”

Co-vice president Elias Mudzuri and secretary general Douglas Mwonzora are thought to be considering a challenge for the MDC’s leadership.

However, the key organs of the party – the youths, women and the main wing – have since declared their backing for Chamisa.

Said youth assembly secretary general Lovemore Chinoputsa; “A person who amassed 2,6 million votes (in last July’s elections) must not be contested at the congress.

“As the youth assembly, we are reaffirming our support for you president Chamisa.

“We want to assure you that you are our president.”

Chinoputsa’s acclamation was also supported by the women’s wing led by Lynnette Karenyi.

For the main wing, deputy national chairperson Tendai Biti said; “We want peace as we are going to the congress.

“We don’t want people who are going to use their money to destabilise the party during this congress.

“We are going to give full mandate to the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Advocate Nelson Chamisa.”