Thread by @ProfJNMoyo

1/7 It's not in dispute that after the 2018 general election, a political party, MDC-ALLIANCE was formed. The rights of this party are protected by the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The leaders, members & supporters of the MDC-A have an obligation to defend their party by all means!

2/7 There're two reasons why MDC-T seeks to runaway from its tainted name to contest elections in MDC-A's name: their MDC-T can't win any election against MDC-A & @DMwonzora wants to use MDC-A name to reclaim Parly funds given to MDC-A in 2018 & 2019; which he claims were abused!

3/7 The MDC-ALLIANCE is not a name but a symbol of a formidable social base made up of leaders, members & supporters. Names of political parties don't matter in Zim; what matters are registered party symbols. No one, let alone MDC-T, can use this MDC-A election symbol👇🏿. No one!

4/7 While it does not matter what name a political party uses, and while it's common for political parties to change their names, it's advisable for the MDC-A to keep & defend its name in light of the nefarious reasons behind the MDC-T's Mnangagwa-inspired assault on the name!

5/7 While it should keep & defend its name & while it's assured of the unusability of its party or election symbol, the fact that the MDC-A is now a political party (and not an alliance) means it has an opportunity to grow its brand by forging a new electoral pact. This is key!

6/7 The political party has withered away as the most effective or appropriate organisational form for winning elections. The new formula for winning elections is broad-based coalitions; not insular political parties. SA, Kenya & Malawi are good examples with ruling coalitions!

7/7 There's no doubt that the MDC-A is in crisis visited upon it by Mnangagwa, using the courts & Parliament through the treachery of @DrThoko_Khupe & @DMwonzora. But the crisis is a huge opportunity for the MDC-A to unleash new politics to consolidate & grow its social base!