The Nelson Chamisa led MDC Alliance is rebranding with party insiders saying the mainstream opposition party is set to unveil a new name, slogans and colours.
The party has been embroiled in a fight with rival MDC-T led by Douglas Mwonzora who has declared himself the leader of the MDC Alliance.
If MDC Alliance changes its name and emblems, it would have pulled the rug under Mwonzora’s feet, as they have held out until the eve of the sitting of the nomination court.
Mwonzora had told the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) that only he and three other officials of his MDC-T party could confirm candidates “on behalf of the MDC, any of its derivatives and the MDC Alliance” ahead of by-elections slated for March 26.
For some time now, MDC Alliance members, supporters and analysts had been urging the party leadership to find a new name but leaders had been dragging their feet.
Party insiders who are close to the proceedings confirmed that MDC Alliance was totally rebranding.
“Everything will change, the name, colours, the slogans. There will be no more ‘Chinja maitiro or Guqula izenzo.’ The palm symbol is going to change. Bottom line is we are starting afresh,” sources told CITE.
“This is a complete rebranding in every way to avoid confusion because people will say, ‘they still wear red or they still do this with their hands.’ So everything is changing.”
Source said the party will also contest the March 26 by election suing the new name and outfit
During the weekend, MDC Alliance’s National Council met and also hinted that a new name was coming.
In its communique, the party spokesperson, Fadzayi Mahere said there was “extensive deliberation on the need to give birth to the new in line with the expectations and clarion call form the citizens.”
“The people’s leadership is charting a new course that will lead to transformation and ethical leadership for the nation,” she said.
