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	{{~~Infobox~~ Political ~~Party~~		{{Short description\|Political party in Zimbabwe}}
			{{EngvarB\|date=April 2014}}
	\| party_name = Movement for Democratic Change
			{{Use dmy dates\|date=April 2014}}
	\| party_wikicolourid = Liberal
			{{Infobox political party
	\| status = active
			\| country = Zimbabwe
	\| class = fed
			\| name = Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai
	\| foundation = ]
			\| foundation = {{start date\|2005}}
	\| dissolution =
			\| founder = ]
	\| party_logo = ]
			\| dissolution =
	\| leader = ]
			\| split = ]
	\| ideology = ]<br>]
			\| merged =
	\| headquarters = ] Nelson Mandela Avenue & Angwa Street<br>] ]<br>263
			\| colorcode = {{party color\|Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai}}
	\| int_alignment = ]<ref name=SI></ref>\|
			\| logo = MDC logo 768464154.jpg
	\| colours = ] and ]
			\| logo_size = 150px
	\| seats_house = 100 ], 24 ]
			\| leader = ]
	\| website =
			\| ideology = ]<br />]
			\| position = ]
			\| youth_wing = MDC Youth Assembly
			\| headquarters = ], 44 Nelson Mandela Ave., ], ]
			\| national = ] (2018–2020)
			\| international = ]<ref name=SI>{{cite web \|url=http://socialistinternational.org/viewArticle.cfm?ArticlePageID=931 \|title=Progressive Politics for a Fairer World \|publisher=Socialist International \|access-date=5 December 2012 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503204531/http://www.socialistinternational.org/viewArticle.cfm?ArticlePageID=931 \|archive-date=3 May 2013 \|url-status=dead }}</ref><br />]
			\| colours = {{Color box\|#DC241f}} {{Color box\|black}} ] and ]
			\| flag = ]
			\| seats1_title = ]
			\| seats1 = {{Composition bar\|0\|280\|hex=#DC241f}}
			\| website = {{url\|http://www.mdc.co.zw/}}
	}}		}}

	The '''Movement for Democratic Change ~~—~~ Tsvangirai''' ('''~~MDC-T~~''') is a ]an ] and the ~~largest~~ party in the ]. It is the ~~main~~ ~~formation formed~~ ~~from~~ the split of the original ] in 2005.		The '''Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai''' ('''MDC–T''') is a ] political party and was the main opposition party in the ] ahead of the 2018 elections. After the split of the original ] in 2005, the MDC–T remained the ] opposition faction, while a smaller faction, the ], or '''MDC–N''', was led by ].

	==History==		==History==

	===Foundation===		===Foundation===
	{{~~main~~\|Movement for Democratic Change (pre-2005)}}		{{Main\|Movement for Democratic Change (pre-2005)}}
	The '''Movement for Democratic Change''' was founded in 1999 as an ] to the ] (ZANU-PF) party led by ] ]. The MDC was formed from ~~many~~ members of the broad coalition of civic society groups and individuals that campaigned for a "No" vote in the ], in particular the ]. The party split following the ], with the main faction headed by founder ] and the ] ~~ultimately~~ headed by ]. At the ], ] was elected ~~for~~ ~~Vice President~~ replacing ] who was now part of ].<ref>{{cite news\|title=Tsvangirai reelected as opposition MDC president in Zimbabwe\|~~publisher~~=]\|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200603/20/eng20060320_252031.html		The '''Movement for Democratic Change''' was founded in 1999 as an ] to the ] (ZANU-PF) party led by ] ]. The MDC was formed from members of the broad coalition of civic society groups and individuals that campaigned for a "No" vote in the ], in particular the ].<br /> The party split following the ], with the main faction headed by the founder leader ] and the ] headed by ]. At the Morgan Tsvangirai-led ], ] was elected as vice-president, replacing ] who was now part of ].<ref>{{cite news\|title=Tsvangirai reelected as opposition MDC president in Zimbabwe\|work=]\|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200603/20/eng20060320_252031.html
	\|~~accessdate~~ =~~2009-02-~~13}}</ref>		\|access-date =13 February 2009}}</ref>

	The two factions subsequently won a combined majority in the ].		The two factions subsequently won a combined majority in the ].

	===Developments in 2007===		===Developments in 2007===
	On 3 August 2007 it was widely reported that two officials of the ] had defected to the Tsvangirai ~~faction~~, a week after talks to reunite the two parties had broken down. At a media briefing, former Member of Parliament Silas Mangono and ] Province ~~Chairman~~ Shaky Matake ~~said~~ they had defected from the Mutambara ~~faction~~.<ref></ref><ref></ref><ref></ref>		On 3 August 2007 it was widely reported that two officials of the smaller Arthur Mutambara-led MDC formation had defected to the main Tsvangirai-led Movement for Democratic Change Zimbabwe formation, a week after talks to reunite the two parties had broken down. At a media briefing, former Member of Parliament Silas Mangono and ] Province chairman Shaky Matake announced that they had defected from the Mutambara-led formation.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.zimonline.co.za/\|title=Zimbabwe Online \| A Look at Zimbabwe Today\|website=www.zimonline.co.za\|access-date=13 February 2009\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151128063857/http://www.zimonline.co.za/\|archive-date=28 November 2015\|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.zimdaily.com/?p=73770\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328204940/http://www.zimdaily.com/news/117/ARTICLE/1954/2007-08-06.html\|url-status=dead\|title=Zimbabwe prepares for a tough 2019\|archive-date=28 March 2008\|website=ZimDaily}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://allafrica.com \|title=pories/200708031110.html allAfrica.com: Zimbabwe: Collapse of Unity Talks Forced Former MP And 21 Others to Defect (Page 1 of 1) \|publisher=Allafrica.com \|access-date=5 December 2012}}</ref>

	An opinion poll in 27 September 2007 by the ] found that of the 22% of poll respondents who are supporters of the MDC, 21% backed the MDC ~~faction~~ led Tsvangirai and 1% expressed support for Mutambara's faction.		An opinion poll on 27 September 2007 by the Mass Public Opinion Institute of Zimbabwe found that of the 22% of poll respondents who are supporters of the MDC, 21% backed the main MDC formation led Tsvangirai and 1% expressed support for the smaller Mutambara's faction.

	The poll takers acknowledged the survey was conducted mainly in the rural areas, traditionally a ~~ZANU-PF~~ stronghold, because the majority of the population lives there. It polled 1,202 of eligible voters.<ref name=VOA>{{cite web\|url=http://www.voanews.com/english/Africa/2007-09-27-voa59.cfm \| title=Early Poll Gives Zimbabwe Ruling Party An Edge Over Its Opposition\|publisher=VOA}}</ref>		The poll takers acknowledged the survey was conducted mainly in the rural areas, traditionally a ZANU–PF stronghold, because the majority of the population lives there. It polled 1,202 of eligible voters.<ref name=VOA>{{cite web \|url=http://www.voanews.com/english/Africa/2007-09-27-voa59.cfm \|title=Early Poll Gives Zimbabwe Ruling Party An Edge Over Its Opposition \|publisher=VOA \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629065742/http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/a-13-2007-09-27-voa59.html \|archive-date=29 June 2011 \|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

	===Political negotiations===		===Political negotiations===
	{{~~main~~\|2008 Zimbabwean political negotiations}}		{{Main\|2008 Zimbabwean political negotiations}}
	The ] (SADC) mandated ] President ] to mediate between ZANU-PF and the MDC in April 2007 to create conditions for free and fair elections for the 2008 polls. Mbeki appointed ], South Africa's Minister of Provincial and Local Government, and director-general in the presidency, ], as the main mediators in the talks. All parties agreed to refrain from commenting on the progress of the talks in the media. Due to the media silence, it is relatively difficult to judge the progress of these talks, but both parties have agreed to constitutional amendments and the revision of certain key media and security laws~~. Critics say {{Who\|date=May 2008}}that these changes are superficial and the mediation seems to have had little impact on a practical level~~. The MDC faction led by Morgan Tsvangirai threatened to pull out of the talks if the conditions were not created in which free and fair elections can take place.		The ] (SADC) mandated ] ] to mediate between ZANU-PF and the MDC in April 2007 to create conditions for free and fair elections for the 2008 polls. Mbeki appointed ], South Africa's Minister of Provincial and Local Government, and director-general in the presidency, ], as the main mediators in the talks. All parties agreed to refrain from commenting on the progress of the talks in the media. Due to the media silence, it is relatively difficult to judge the progress of these talks, but both parties have agreed to constitutional amendments and the revision of certain key media and security laws. The MDC faction led by Morgan Tsvangirai threatened to pull out of the talks if the conditions were not created in which free and fair elections can take place.

	In July and August 2008, the MDC and ~~ZANU-PF~~ entered into negotiations in ~~both~~ ~~Harare~~ and ~~Pretoria,~~ both mediated by the South African president, ]~~. They are meant to settle electoral disputes and reach a compromise on creating a joint executive government for Zimbabwe~~.		In July and August 2008, the MDC and ZANU–PF entered into negotiations to settle electoral disputes and to reach a compromise. The talks were both mediated by the South African president, ].

	=== SADC Facilitated Government Power-Sharing Agreement ===		=== SADC Facilitated Government Power-Sharing Agreement ===
	On September ~~15,~~ 2008, the leaders of the 14-member ] witnessed the signing of the power-sharing agreement, brokered by Mbeki. ~~With a handshake and warm smiles at~~ the Rainbow Towers hotel in ], Mugabe and Tsvangirai signed the deal to resolve the crisis. According to it, Mugabe will remain president, Tsvangirai will become prime minister,<ref></ref> the MDC will control the police, ~~Mugabe’s~~ ~~ZANU (PF)~~ party will command the Army, and Mutambara will become deputy prime minister.<ref></ref><ref></ref> Tendai Biti ~~has now been~~ confirmed as the Finance Minister in the GNU and ~~will be~~ sworn in on Wednesday 11 November 2009.<ref>http://www.mg.co.za/article/2009-02-10-zimbabwe-finance-minister-to-focus-on-stability</ref>		On 15 September 2008, the leaders of the 14-member ] witnessed the signing of the power-sharing agreement, brokered by Mbeki. At the Rainbow Towers hotel in ], Mugabe and Tsvangirai signed the deal to resolve the crisis. According to the deal, Mugabe will remain president, Tsvangirai will become prime minister,<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/09/15/zimbabwe.powershare/?iref=mpstoryview \|title=edition.cnn.com, Rivals sign Zimbabwe power-share deal \|publisher=CNN \|access-date=5 December 2012}}</ref> the MDC will control the police, Mugabe's ZANU–PF party will command the Army, and Mutambara will become deputy prime minister.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article4756995.ece \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20080917232925/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article4756995.ece \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=17 September 2008 \|title=timesonline.co.uk, Power-sharing deal signed in Zimbabwe \|work=The Times \|access-date=5 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna26715920 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922163138/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26715920/ \|url-status=live \|archive-date=22 September 2008 \|title=www.msnbc.msn, Zimbabwe power-sharing deal signed \|publisher=MSNBC \|date=15 September 2008 \|access-date=5 December 2012}}</ref> Tendai Biti was confirmed as the Finance Minister in the GNU and sworn in on Wednesday 11 November 2009.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.mg.co.za/article/2009-02-10-zimbabwe-finance-minister-to-focus-on-stability \|title=Zimbabwe finance minister to focus on stability \| Mail & Guardian \|work=Mail & Guardian \|date=10 February 2009 \|access-date=5 December 2012}}</ref>

			=== 2014 purported suspension of Tsvangirai and other leaders ===
			After months of in-fighting following Tsvangirai's 2013 presidential bid, a group of party officials purported to suspend Tsvangirai for "remarkable failure of leadership,"<ref name=suspends>{{cite news\|title=Zimbabwe: Opposition MDC suspends Morgan Tsvangirai\|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27173541\|access-date=27 April 2014\|publisher=BBC News\|date=26 April 2014}}</ref> during a meeting of the National Council.<ref name=telegraph>{{cite news\|last=Thornycroft\|first=Peta\|title=Morgan Tsvangirai kicked out of MDC party\|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/zimbabwe/10790207/Morgan-Tsvangirai-kicked-out-of-MDC-party.html\|access-date=26 April 2014\|newspaper=The Telegraph (UK)\|date=26 April 2014}}</ref> Tsvangirai was accused of creating a divisive atmosphere within the party.<ref name=suspends /> Six other leaders were suspended at the same time, furthering the political split within the MDC.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Majoni\|first=Tawanda\|title=MDC rebels "suspend" Tsvangirai, top members\|url=http://www.thezimbabwean.co/news/zimbabwe/71394/mdc-rebels-suspend-tsvangirai-top.html\|access-date=26 April 2014\|newspaper=The Zimbabwean\|date=26 April 2014\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140427214600/http://www.thezimbabwean.co/news/zimbabwe/71394/mdc-rebels-suspend-tsvangirai-top.html\|archive-date=27 April 2014\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Douglas Mwonzora, a spokesperson for the party and one of the suspended leaders, accused former Finance Minister and MDC general secretary ] of helping Mugabe oust Tsvangirai.<ref name=telegraph /> Tendai Biti and others involved in the incident went on to form the MDC-Renewal, which became the ].

			===2018–2022 splits===
			The MDC-T survived to see Mugabe removed from office in November 2017, but Tsvangirai was afflicted by colon cancer and died on 14 February 2018. ] became acting president of the party and contested as the party's presidential candidate in the ] under the ] electoral pact.

			On 22 April 2018, ] was elected unopposed as the President of her MDC-T faction at an extraordinary congress in ].<ref>{{Cite web\|author=Staff Reporter\|date=2018-04-21\|title=Khupe elected MDC-T President\|url=https://www.thezimbabwemail.com/main/khupe-unveils-new-look-mdc-t-leadership-at-extraordinary-congress/\|access-date=2021-08-23\|website=The Zimbabwe Mail\|language=en-GB}}</ref>

			After the election, the three member parties who were splinters of the original MDC (MDC-T, MDC-N and PDP) reunited to form a single political party under the name MDC-Alliance.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.pazimbabwe.com/zimbabwe-48473-chamisa-names-ncube-komichi-as-deputies-mdc-re-unites.html\|title=Chamisa names Ncube, Komichi as deputies, MDC re-unites\|date=September 11, 2018}}</ref> Nelson Chamisa was elected president of the party at the MDC Congress held in May 2019.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/zimbabwe-opposition-mdc-party-elects-nelson-chamisa-leader-190526185622698.html\|title=Zimbabwe opposition MDC party elects Nelson Chamisa as leader\|website=www.aljazeera.com}}</ref> Then on 28 May 2020, the court ruled that MDC-A is a party.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/05/mdc-alliance-a-party-court/\|title = MDC Alliance a party: Court\|date = 28 May 2020}}</ref>

			In April 2020, Khupe is recognized as MDC-T by Supreme Court.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.theafricareport.com/56124/zimbabwe-constitutional-provisions-stifle-electoral-rights/\|title = Zimbabwe: Supreme Court decision leaves Thokozani Khupe's MDC in disarray\|date = 30 December 2020}}</ref> In December 2020 Khupe was removed from the position of party president by Douglas Mwonzora amid strong claims of violence and cheating from her fans.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.voazimbabwe.com/a/zimbabwe-thokozani-khupe-mdc-t-congress-mwonzora-press-conference/5789676.html\|title=Khupe Says Mwonzora Not Legitimate Leader of MDC-T\|date=23 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/01/mwonzora-to-recall-khupe-from-parliament-over-split/\|title = Mwonzora to recall Khupe from Parliament over split\|date = 24 January 2022}}</ref>

			In September 2021, Douglas Mwonzora took over of MDC Alliance.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/chamisa-loses-mdc-alliance-name-to-mwonzora/\|title = Chamisa loses MDC Alliance name to Mwonzora\|date = 29 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news\|url=https://allafrica.com/stories/202109030152.html\|title = Zimbabwe: 'Respect Us' - Mwonzora Warns Chamisa over Use of MDC Alliance Name\| newspaper=New Zimbabwe \|date = 3 September 2021\| last1=Njanike \| first1=Ndatenda }}</ref>

			In January 2022, Chamisa founded the ] (CCC).<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/01/24/chamisas-mdc-alliance-rebrands-to-citizens-coalition-for-change/\|title=Chamisa's MDC Alliance Rebrands To Citizens' Coalition For Change – Pindula News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.263chat.com/breaking-news-chamisa-rebounds-with-new-party-name/\|title=Breaking News: Chamisa Rebounds With New Party Name\|first=Elia\|last=Ntali\|date=January 24, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://gambakwe.com/2022/01/24/breaking-chamisa-submits-new-candidates-to-zec/\|title=BREAKING: Chamisa announces new party name - Citizens Coalition for Change\|first=Gambakwe\|last=Media\|date=January 24, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|last=Newsday\|date=2022-01-24\|title=Chamisa party rebrands\|url=https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/01/chamisa-party-rebrands/\|access-date=2022-02-08\|website=NewsDay Zimbabwe\|language=en-US}}</ref> He is backed by ]<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://dailynews.co.zw/khupe-pushes-ccc-chamisa/\|title = Khupe pushes CCC, Chamisa – DailyNews}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.zimeye.net/2022/03/27/biti-romps-to-victory/\|title = Biti Romps to Victory – ZimEye}}</ref> In March, Khuphe urged Zimbabweans to vote for the CCC in that month's by-election.<ref>{{cite web\|title=MDC-T's Thokozani Khupe Urges Zimbabweans to Vote for Citizens Coalition for Change Candidates in Forthcoming National By-elections\|url=https://www.voazimbabwe.com/a/6494941.html\|website=Voice of America\|access-date=6 October 2022\|date=21 March 2022}}</ref>

	==Political performance==		==Political performance==
	===2008 election===
	Tsvangirai and Mutambara failed to unite on a single MDC candidate for the ]. Tsvangirai ran for President while Mutambara backed the independent candidacy of ].<ref>Fikile Mapala, , newzimbabwe.com, 15 February 2008.</ref> In the election, Tsvangirai won 47.9% of the vote according to ] results, ahead of Mugabe's 43.2%, necessitating a run-off because neither candidate won a majority; however, Tsvangirai claimed to have won a narrow first-round majority on 50.3% based on the mandatory posting of votes counted at polling booths.

			Tsvangirai and Mutambara failed to unite on a single MDC candidate for the ]. Tsvangirai ran for president while Mutambara backed the independent candidacy of ].<ref>Fikile Mapala, , newzimbabwe.com, 15 February 2008.</ref> In the election, Tsvangirai won 47.9% of the vote according to ] results, ahead of Mugabe's 43.2%, necessitating a run-off because neither candidate won a majority. However, Tsvangirai claimed to have won a narrow first-round majority on 50.3% based on the mandatory posting of votes counted at polling booths.
	In the simultaneous ], both factions contested most seats, with the Tsvangirai faction winning 99 and the Mutambara faction 10, compared with 97 for Zanu PF, 1 independent, leaving 3 vacancies caused by deaths of candidates.<ref></ref><ref></ref>

			In the simultaneous ], both factions contested most seats, with the Tsvangirai faction winning 99 and the Mutambara faction 10, compared with 97 for Zanu PF, 1 independent, leaving 3 vacancies caused by deaths of candidates.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.sokwanele.com/thisiszimbabwe/archives/823 \|title=This is Zimbabwe " Blog Archive " ZEC: Final results for the House of Assembly \|publisher=Sokwanele.com \|date=3 April 2008 \|access-date=5 December 2012 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204063911/http://www.sokwanele.com/thisiszimbabwe/archives/823 \|archive-date=4 December 2012 \|df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref> zimbabwemetro.com</ref>
	On 28 April 2008, the two factions of the MDC announced that they were reuniting, thus enabling them to have a clear parliamentary majority.<ref>, SABC News, 28 April 2008.</ref><ref>, BBC News, 28 April 2008.</ref><ref>, Zimbabwe Metro, 28 April 2008.</ref> As of June 2008, the factions have not formally merged.<ref>Godfrey Marawanyika, , Sapa-AFP (''IOL''), 1 June 2008.</ref>

			On 28 April 2008, the two factions of the MDC announced that they were reuniting, thus enabling them to have a clear parliamentary majority but without a formal merger between the factions.<ref> {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080502155226/http://www.sabcnews.com/africa/southern_africa/0%2C2172%2C168544%2C00.html \|date=2 May 2008 }}, SABC News, 28 April 2008.</ref><ref>, BBC News, 28 April 2008.</ref><ref>Godfrey Marawanyika, , Sapa-AFP (''IOL''), 1 June 2008.</ref><ref>, Zimbabwe Metro, 28 April 2008.</ref>
	International media reported that MDC members and supporters, including prominent activist ] who was murdered in May, were subjected to arrests, beatings and killings during the campaign period for the second round of the election.<ref>, Voice of America, 21 May 2008</ref><ref>, ''Sunday Herald'', 8 June 2008</ref>

			International media reported that MDC members and supporters, including prominent activist ] who was murdered in May, were subjected to arrests, beatings and killings during the campaign period for the second round of the election.<ref> {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820145144/http://voanews.com/english/Africa/Zimbabwe/2008-05-21-voa48.cfm \|date=20 August 2008 }}, Voice of America, 21 May 2008</ref><ref> {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609063446/http://www.sundayherald.com/international/shinternational/display.var.2326477.0.0.php \|date=9 June 2008 }}, ''Sunday Herald'', 8 June 2008</ref>
	On 22 June 2008, Tsvangirai announced at a press conference that he was withdrawing from the run-off against Mugabe, due to be held on 27 June, describing it as a "violent sham" and saying that his supporters risked being killed if they voted for him. He vowed that the MDC would ultimately prevail and that its victory could "only be delayed".<ref>Angus Shaw, , Associated Press, 22 June 2008.</ref>

			On 22 June 2008, Tsvangirai announced at a press conference that he was withdrawing from the run-off against Mugabe, due to be held on 27 June, describing it as a "violent sham" and saying that his supporters risked being killed if they voted for him. He vowed that the MDC would ultimately prevail and that its victory could "only be delayed".<ref>Angus Shaw, , Associated Press, 22 June 2008.</ref>

	==Notable party members==		==Notable party members==
			* ], former President of the Movement for Democratic Change, who died in February 2018 of colon cancer.
	* ], Deputy Prime Minister,Vice President and Member of Parliament for ]
	* ], ~~Secretary-General,Minister~~ of ~~Finance~~ & Member of Parliament for ]		* ], Former Deputy Prime Minister, vice-president and Member of Parliament for ]
	* ], National Chairman and Speaker of House of Assembly; Member of Parliament for ]		* ], National Chairman and Speaker of House of Assembly; Member of Parliament for ]
	* ], ~~MDC~~ ~~Publicity~~ ~~Secretary~~ ; Minister of Communications; Member of Parliament for ]		* ], Acting President of the party; Former Minister of Communications; Member of Parliament for ]
	* ], Organising ~~secretary~~; Minister of Public Works; Member of Parliament for ] and former Executive Mayor of ]		* ], Organising Secretary; Former Minister of Public Works; Member of Parliament for ] and former Executive Mayor of ]
	* ], MDC Policy Coordinator General and Member of Parliament for ]		* ], MDC Policy Coordinator General and Member of Parliament for ]
	* ], MDC Treasurer-General and Deputy Minister of Agriculture designate		* ], MDC Treasurer-General and Former Deputy Minister of Agriculture designate, who died in January 2018 in a helicopter crash
	* ], MDC National Youth ~~Chairman~~;Deputy Minister of Employment Creation Gender & Youth Affairs & Member of Parliament for ]		* ], MDC National Youth chairman; Former Deputy Minister of Employment Creation Gender & Youth Affairs & Member of Parliament for ]
	* ], MDC Provincial Spokesperson and Member of Parliament for ] ]		* ], MDC Provincial Spokesperson and Member of Parliament for ] ]
			* ], Founding member of MDC, first MDC National Administrator at its foundation in 1999 and MP for ]
			* ], former Secretary General of the MDC, MDC-T, current Vice President of the Citizen's Coalition for Change and former Finance Minister of Zimbabwe 2009 to 2013.

			== Electoral history ==
	==See also==

			=== Presidential elections ===
			{\| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
			! rowspan="2" \|Election
			!rowspan=2\|Candidate
			!Votes
			!%
			!Votes
			!%
			!rowspan=2\|Result
			\|-
			!colspan=2\|First round
			!colspan=2\|Second round
			\|-
			\|]
			\| rowspan="2" \|]
			\|1,195,562
			\|47.9%
			\|233,000
			\|9.3%
			\|'''Lost''' {{Nay}}
			\|-
			\|]
			\|1,172,349
			\|33.94%
			\| —
			\| —
			\|'''Lost''' {{Nay}}
			\|-
			\|]
			\|]
			\|
			\|0.96%
			\| —
			\| —
			\|'''Lost''' {{Nay}}
			\|-
			\|]
			\|]
			\|28,883
			\|0.65%
			\| —
			\| —
			\|'''Lost''' {{Nay}}
			\|}

			=== House of Assembly elections ===
			{\| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
			!Election
			!Party leader
			!Votes
			!%
			!Seats
			!+/–
			!Position
			!'''Result'''
			\|-
			\|]
			\| rowspan="2" \|]
			\|1,041,176
			\|42.88%
			\|{{Composition bar\|99\|210\|{{party color\|Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai}}}}
			\|{{increase}} 59
			\|{{increase}} 1st
			\|{{yes2\|MDC-T–] coalition government}}
			\|-
			\|]
			\|1,027,412
			\|30.29%
			\|{{Composition bar\|70\|270\|{{party color\|Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai}}}}
			\|{{decrease}} 29
			\|{{decrease}} 2nd
			\|{{no2\|Opposition}}
			\|-
			\|]
			\|]
			\|
			\|3.03%
			\|{{Composition bar\|1\|270\|{{party color\|Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai}}}}
			\|{{decrease}} 69
			\|{{decrease}} 3rd
			\|{{no2\|Opposition}}
			\|-
			\|]
			\|Douglas Mwonzora
			\|5,307
			\|0.34%
			\|{{Composition bar\|0\|280\|{{party color\|Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai}}}}
			\|{{decrease}} 1
			\|{{steady}} 3rd
			\|{{eliminated\|Extra-parliamentary}}
			\|}

			=== Senate elections ===
			{\| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
			!Election
			!Party leader
			!Votes
			!%
			!Seats
			!+/–
			!Position
			!'''Result'''
			\|-
			\|]
			\| rowspan="2" \|]
			\|1,035,824
			\|43.04%
			\|{{Composition bar\|24\|93\|{{party color\|Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai}}}}
			\|{{increase}} 24
			\|{{increase}} 2nd
			\|{{yes2\|MDC-T–] governing coalition}}
			\|-
			\|]
			\|1,008,023
			\|29.85%
			\|{{Composition bar\|21\|80\|{{party color\|Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai}}}}
			\|{{decrease}} 3
			\|{{steady}} 2nd
			\|{{no2\|Opposition}}
			\|-
			\|]
			\|]
			\| colspan="2" \|
			\|{{Composition bar\|1\|80\|{{party color\|Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai}}}}
			\|{{decrease}} 20
			\|{{decrease}} 3rd
			\|{{no2\|Opposition}}
			\|-
			\|]
			\|Douglas Mwonzora
			\|
			\|
			\|{{Composition bar\|0\|80\|{{party color\|Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai}}}}
			\|{{decrease}} 25
			\|{{decrease}} --
			\|{{eliminated\|Extra-parliamentary}}
			\|}

			== See also ==
	*]		*]
	*]		*]
Line 73:		Line 243:

	==References==		==References==
	{{~~reflist~~}}		{{Reflist\|33em}}

	== External Links ==

	(Official website)

	{{Zimbabwean political parties}}		{{Zimbabwean political parties}}
			{{Authority control}}

			{{DEFAULTSORT:Movement for Democratic Change - Tsvangirai}}
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Latest revision as of 00:01, 8 November 2024

Political party in Zimbabwe

Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai

Leader	Douglas Mwonzora
Founder	Morgan Tsvangirai
Founded	2005 (2005)
Split from	Movement for Democratic Change
Headquarters	Morgan Tsvangirai House, 44 Nelson Mandela Ave., Harare, Zimbabwe
Youth wing	MDC Youth Assembly
Ideology	Social democracy Left-wing nationalism
Political position	Centre-left
National affiliation	MDC Alliance (2018–2020)
International affiliation	Socialist International Progressive Alliance
Colours	Red and black
National Assembly	0 / 280
Party flag

Website
www.mdc.co.zw
Politics of Zimbabwe Political parties Elections

The Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai (MDC–T) is a centre-left political party and was the main opposition party in the House of Assembly of Zimbabwe ahead of the 2018 elections. After the split of the original Movement for Democratic Change in 2005, the MDC–T remained the major opposition faction, while a smaller faction, the Movement for Democratic Change – Ncube, or MDC–N, was led by Welshman Ncube.

History

Foundation

Main article: Movement for Democratic Change (pre-2005)

The Movement for Democratic Change was founded in 1999 as an opposition party to the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party led by President Robert Mugabe. The MDC was formed from members of the broad coalition of civic society groups and individuals that campaigned for a "No" vote in the 2000 constitutional referendum, in particular the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions.
The party split following the 2005 Senate election, with the main faction headed by the founder leader Morgan Tsvangirai and the other formation headed by Arthur Mutambara. At the Morgan Tsvangirai-led 2006 Congress, Thokozani Khuphe was elected as vice-president, replacing Gibson Sibanda who was now part of MDC-M.

The two factions subsequently won a combined majority in the March 2008 parliamentary election.

Developments in 2007

On 3 August 2007 it was widely reported that two officials of the smaller Arthur Mutambara-led MDC formation had defected to the main Tsvangirai-led Movement for Democratic Change Zimbabwe formation, a week after talks to reunite the two parties had broken down. At a media briefing, former Member of Parliament Silas Mangono and Masvingo Province chairman Shaky Matake announced that they had defected from the Mutambara-led formation.

An opinion poll on 27 September 2007 by the Mass Public Opinion Institute of Zimbabwe found that of the 22% of poll respondents who are supporters of the MDC, 21% backed the main MDC formation led Tsvangirai and 1% expressed support for the smaller Mutambara's faction.

The poll takers acknowledged the survey was conducted mainly in the rural areas, traditionally a ZANU–PF stronghold, because the majority of the population lives there. It polled 1,202 of eligible voters.

Political negotiations

Main article: 2008 Zimbabwean political negotiations

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) mandated South African President Thabo Mbeki to mediate between ZANU-PF and the MDC in April 2007 to create conditions for free and fair elections for the 2008 polls. Mbeki appointed Sydney Mufamadi, South Africa's Minister of Provincial and Local Government, and director-general in the presidency, Frank Chikane, as the main mediators in the talks. All parties agreed to refrain from commenting on the progress of the talks in the media. Due to the media silence, it is relatively difficult to judge the progress of these talks, but both parties have agreed to constitutional amendments and the revision of certain key media and security laws. The MDC faction led by Morgan Tsvangirai threatened to pull out of the talks if the conditions were not created in which free and fair elections can take place.

In July and August 2008, the MDC and ZANU–PF entered into negotiations to settle electoral disputes and to reach a compromise. The talks were both mediated by the South African president, Thabo Mbeki.

SADC Facilitated Government Power-Sharing Agreement

On 15 September 2008, the leaders of the 14-member Southern African Development Community witnessed the signing of the power-sharing agreement, brokered by Mbeki. At the Rainbow Towers hotel in Harare, Mugabe and Tsvangirai signed the deal to resolve the crisis. According to the deal, Mugabe will remain president, Tsvangirai will become prime minister, the MDC will control the police, Mugabe's ZANU–PF party will command the Army, and Mutambara will become deputy prime minister. Tendai Biti was confirmed as the Finance Minister in the GNU and sworn in on Wednesday 11 November 2009.

2014 purported suspension of Tsvangirai and other leaders

After months of in-fighting following Tsvangirai's 2013 presidential bid, a group of party officials purported to suspend Tsvangirai for "remarkable failure of leadership," during a meeting of the National Council. Tsvangirai was accused of creating a divisive atmosphere within the party. Six other leaders were suspended at the same time, furthering the political split within the MDC. Douglas Mwonzora, a spokesperson for the party and one of the suspended leaders, accused former Finance Minister and MDC general secretary Tendai Biti of helping Mugabe oust Tsvangirai. Tendai Biti and others involved in the incident went on to form the MDC-Renewal, which became the People's Democratic Party (Zimbabwe).

2018–2022 splits

The MDC-T survived to see Mugabe removed from office in November 2017, but Tsvangirai was afflicted by colon cancer and died on 14 February 2018. Nelson Chamisa became acting president of the party and contested as the party's presidential candidate in the 2018 Zimbabwean general election under the MDC Alliance electoral pact.

On 22 April 2018, Thokozani Khuphe was elected unopposed as the President of her MDC-T faction at an extraordinary congress in Bulawayo.

After the election, the three member parties who were splinters of the original MDC (MDC-T, MDC-N and PDP) reunited to form a single political party under the name MDC-Alliance. Nelson Chamisa was elected president of the party at the MDC Congress held in May 2019. Then on 28 May 2020, the court ruled that MDC-A is a party.

In April 2020, Khupe is recognized as MDC-T by Supreme Court. In December 2020 Khupe was removed from the position of party president by Douglas Mwonzora amid strong claims of violence and cheating from her fans.

In September 2021, Douglas Mwonzora took over of MDC Alliance.

In January 2022, Chamisa founded the Citizens Coalition For Change (CCC). He is backed by Welshman Ncube and Tendai Biti. In March, Khuphe urged Zimbabweans to vote for the CCC in that month's by-election.

Political performance

Tsvangirai and Mutambara failed to unite on a single MDC candidate for the March 2008 presidential election. Tsvangirai ran for president while Mutambara backed the independent candidacy of Simba Makoni. In the election, Tsvangirai won 47.9% of the vote according to Zimbabwe Electoral Commission results, ahead of Mugabe's 43.2%, necessitating a run-off because neither candidate won a majority. However, Tsvangirai claimed to have won a narrow first-round majority on 50.3% based on the mandatory posting of votes counted at polling booths.

In the simultaneous parliamentary election, both factions contested most seats, with the Tsvangirai faction winning 99 and the Mutambara faction 10, compared with 97 for Zanu PF, 1 independent, leaving 3 vacancies caused by deaths of candidates.

On 28 April 2008, the two factions of the MDC announced that they were reuniting, thus enabling them to have a clear parliamentary majority but without a formal merger between the factions.

International media reported that MDC members and supporters, including prominent activist Tonderai Ndira who was murdered in May, were subjected to arrests, beatings and killings during the campaign period for the second round of the election.

On 22 June 2008, Tsvangirai announced at a press conference that he was withdrawing from the run-off against Mugabe, due to be held on 27 June, describing it as a "violent sham" and saying that his supporters risked being killed if they voted for him. He vowed that the MDC would ultimately prevail and that its victory could "only be delayed".

Notable party members

Morgan Tsvangirai, former President of the Movement for Democratic Change, who died in February 2018 of colon cancer.
Thokozani Khuphe, Former Deputy Prime Minister, vice-president and Member of Parliament for Makokoba
Lovemore Moyo, National Chairman and Speaker of House of Assembly; Member of Parliament for Matobo North
Nelson Chamisa, Acting President of the party; Former Minister of Communications; Member of Parliament for Kuwadzana Central
Elias Mudzuri, Organising Secretary; Former Minister of Public Works; Member of Parliament for Warren Park and former Executive Mayor of Harare
Eddie Cross, MDC Policy Coordinator General and Member of Parliament for Bulawayo South
Roy Bennett, MDC Treasurer-General and Former Deputy Minister of Agriculture designate, who died in January 2018 in a helicopter crash
Thamsanqa Mahlangu, MDC National Youth chairman; Former Deputy Minister of Employment Creation Gender & Youth Affairs & Member of Parliament for Nkulumane
Felix Magalela Mafa Sibanda, MDC Provincial Spokesperson and Member of Parliament for Magwegwe Bulawayo
David Anthony Chimhini, Founding member of MDC, first MDC National Administrator at its foundation in 1999 and MP for Mutasa North
Tendai Biti, former Secretary General of the MDC, MDC-T, current Vice President of the Citizen's Coalition for Change and former Finance Minister of Zimbabwe 2009 to 2013.

Electoral history

Presidential elections

Election	Candidate	Votes	%	Votes	%	Result
Election	Candidate	First round		Second round		Result
2008	Morgan Tsvangirai	1,195,562	47.9%	233,000	9.3%	Lost N
2013	Morgan Tsvangirai	1,172,349	33.94%	—	—	Lost N
2018	Thokozani Khupe		0.96%	—	—	Lost N
2023	Douglas Mwonzora	28,883	0.65%	—	—	Lost N

House of Assembly elections

Election	Party leader	Votes	%	Seats	+/–	Position	Result
2008	Morgan Tsvangirai	1,041,176	42.88%	99 / 210	59	1st	MDC-T–ZANU-PF coalition government
2013	Morgan Tsvangirai	1,027,412	30.29%	70 / 270	29	2nd	Opposition
2018	Thokozani Khuphe		3.03%	1 / 270	69	3rd	Opposition
2023	Douglas Mwonzora	5,307	0.34%	0 / 280	1	3rd	Extra-parliamentary

Senate elections

Election	Party leader	Votes	%	Seats	+/–	Position	Result
2008	Morgan Tsvangirai	1,035,824	43.04%	24 / 93	24	2nd	MDC-T–ZANU-PF governing coalition
2013	Morgan Tsvangirai	1,008,023	29.85%	21 / 80	3	2nd	Opposition
2018	Thokozani Khuphe			1 / 80	20	3rd	Opposition
2023	Douglas Mwonzora			0 / 80	25	--	Extra-parliamentary

References

"Progressive Politics for a Fairer World". Socialist International. Archived from the original on 3 May 2013. Retrieved 5 December 2012.
"Tsvangirai reelected as opposition MDC president in Zimbabwe". People's Daily. Retrieved 13 February 2009.
"Zimbabwe Online | A Look at Zimbabwe Today". www.zimonline.co.za. Archived from the original on 28 November 2015. Retrieved 13 February 2009.
"Zimbabwe prepares for a tough 2019". ZimDaily. Archived from the original on 28 March 2008.
"pories/200708031110.html allAfrica.com: Zimbabwe: Collapse of Unity Talks Forced Former MP And 21 Others to Defect (Page 1 of 1)". Allafrica.com. Retrieved 5 December 2012.
"Early Poll Gives Zimbabwe Ruling Party An Edge Over Its Opposition". VOA. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011.
"edition.cnn.com, Rivals sign Zimbabwe power-share deal". CNN. Retrieved 5 December 2012.
"timesonline.co.uk, Power-sharing deal signed in Zimbabwe". The Times. Archived from the original on 17 September 2008. Retrieved 5 December 2012.
"www.msnbc.msn, Zimbabwe power-sharing deal signed". MSNBC. 15 September 2008. Archived from the original on 22 September 2008. Retrieved 5 December 2012.
"Zimbabwe finance minister to focus on stability | Mail & Guardian". Mail & Guardian. 10 February 2009. Retrieved 5 December 2012.
^ "Zimbabwe: Opposition MDC suspends Morgan Tsvangirai". BBC News. 26 April 2014. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
^ Thornycroft, Peta (26 April 2014). "Morgan Tsvangirai kicked out of MDC party". The Telegraph (UK). Retrieved 26 April 2014.
Majoni, Tawanda (26 April 2014). "MDC rebels "suspend" Tsvangirai, top members". The Zimbabwean. Archived from the original on 27 April 2014. Retrieved 26 April 2014.
Staff Reporter (21 April 2018). "Khupe elected MDC-T President". The Zimbabwe Mail. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
"Chamisa names Ncube, Komichi as deputies, MDC re-unites". 11 September 2018.
"Zimbabwe opposition MDC party elects Nelson Chamisa as leader". www.aljazeera.com.
"MDC Alliance a party: Court". 28 May 2020.
"Zimbabwe: Supreme Court decision leaves Thokozani Khupe's MDC in disarray". 30 December 2020.
"Khupe Says Mwonzora Not Legitimate Leader of MDC-T". 23 February 2021.
"Mwonzora to recall Khupe from Parliament over split". 24 January 2022.
"Chamisa loses MDC Alliance name to Mwonzora". 29 August 2021.
Njanike, Ndatenda (3 September 2021). "Zimbabwe: 'Respect Us' - Mwonzora Warns Chamisa over Use of MDC Alliance Name". New Zimbabwe.
"Chamisa's MDC Alliance Rebrands To Citizens' Coalition For Change – Pindula News".
Ntali, Elia (24 January 2022). "Breaking News: Chamisa Rebounds With New Party Name".
Media, Gambakwe (24 January 2022). "BREAKING: Chamisa announces new party name - Citizens Coalition for Change".
Newsday (24 January 2022). "Chamisa party rebrands". NewsDay Zimbabwe. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
"Khupe pushes CCC, Chamisa – DailyNews".
"Biti Romps to Victory – ZimEye".
"MDC-T's Thokozani Khupe Urges Zimbabweans to Vote for Citizens Coalition for Change Candidates in Forthcoming National By-elections". Voice of America. 21 March 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
Fikile Mapala, "Mutambara withdraws from race, backs Makoni", newzimbabwe.com, 15 February 2008.
"This is Zimbabwe " Blog Archive " ZEC: Final results for the House of Assembly". Sokwanele.com. 3 April 2008. Archived from the original on 4 December 2012. Retrieved 5 December 2012.
Final House of Assembly Results zimbabwemetro.com
"Zimbabwe’s MDC factions reunite" Archived 2 May 2008 at the Wayback Machine, SABC News, 28 April 2008.
"Opposition reunites in Zimbabwe", BBC News, 28 April 2008.
Godfrey Marawanyika, "Top Zim opposition figure arrested", Sapa-AFP (IOL), 1 June 2008.
"Finally-Together as before", Zimbabwe Metro, 28 April 2008.
"Another Zimbabwean Opposition Activist Found Dead After Abduction" Archived 20 August 2008 at the Wayback Machine, Voice of America, 21 May 2008
"The grip of fear: Military reign of terror as Zimbabwe prepares for elections" Archived 9 June 2008 at the Wayback Machine, Sunday Herald, 8 June 2008
Angus Shaw, "Zimbabwe opposition leader pulling out of election", Associated Press, 22 June 2008.

v t e Political parties in Zimbabwe
Parliamentary parties	Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU–PF) Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)
Other parties	Coalition of Democrats (CODE) Liberal Democrats Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai (MDC–T) Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) National Alliance for Good Governance (NAGG) National Patriotic Front (NPF) Patriotic Union of Mandebeleland (PUMA) United Movement for Democratic Change (UMDC) United People's Party (UPP) United Parties Zimbabwe African National Union – Ndonga (ZANU–Ndonga) Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) Zimbabwe African People's Union – Federal Party (ZAPU–FP) Zimbabwe Development Party (ZDP) Zimbabwe First Party (ZimFirst) Zimbabwe Labour Party (ZLP) Zimbabwe Youth in Alliance (ZYA)
Defunct Zimbabwean parties	Conservative Alliance of Zimbabwe (CAZ) Forum Party of Zimbabwe (FPZ) Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Movement for Democratic Change Alliance (MDC-Alliance) Movement for Democratic Change – Ncube (MDC–N) Patriotic Front People's Democratic Party (PDP) Republican Front (RF) United African National Council (UANC) Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) Zimbabwe Unity Movement (ZUM) Zimbabwe United People's Organisation (ZUPO)
Defunct Rhodesian parties	Central Africa Party Centre Party (CP) City Youth League (CYL) Confederate Party Dominion Party Federal Party National Democratic Party (NDP) Reform Party Responsible Government Association (RGA) Rhodesian Action Party (RAP) Rhodesian Front (RF) Rhodesia Labour Party (RLP) Rhodesia National Party (RNP) Rhodesian White People's Party (RWPP) Southern Rhodesia African National Congress (SRANC) Southern Rhodesia Communist Party (SRCP) Southern Rhodesia Liberal Party (SRLP) United Federal Party (UFP) United National Federal Party (UNFP) United Rhodesia Party (URP)
Presidents	Canaan Banana (ZANU) Robert Mugabe (ZANU–PF) Emmerson Mnangagwa (ZANU–PF)
Prime Ministers	Robert Mugabe (ZANU–PF) Morgan Tsvangirai (MDC–T)
Key people	Nelson Chamisa (MDC–T, CCC) Arthur Mutambara (MDC–M) Abel Muzorewa (UANC) Joshua Nkomo (ZAPU, ZANU–PF) Welshman Ncube (MDC–N) Ndabaningi Sithole (ZANU, ZANU–Ndonga) Morgan Tsvangirai (MDC, MDC–T) Ian Smith (RF)
Armed factions	ZANLA (ZANU, ZANU–PF) ZIPRA (ZAPU) FROLIZI
Politics Parties by country Politics of Zimbabwe