Chamisa Re-elected MDC Leader

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in Zimbabwe elected Nelson Chamisa as its leader during the major opposition party’s first congress following the death of its founder Morgan Tsvangirai last year.

After Tsvangirai’s death the MDC split into factions ahead of 2018 elections, in which the MDC Alliance led by Chamisa lost to the ruling Zanu-PF and its presidential candidate Emmerson Mnangagwa. The MDC maintain the polls were rigged, with observers heavily criticising the conduct of the polls. 

Chamisa was formerly one of two vice presidents to be appointed by Tsvangirai ahead of his death. At 41 years old, Chamisa claims to represent a generational shift in politics, pledging to modernise the party and the country. He previously served as the Minister of Information Communication Technology of Zimbabwe between 2009 and 2013 as part of the Zanu-PF and MDC national unity government.