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However, Manicaland and Mashonaland Central are said to be backing the sitting president, Professor Arthur Mutambara. Matabeleland South appears to be on the incumbent’s side as well.
MDC is scheduled to hold its congress in January or February next year, at which major changes in the top leadership of the party are expected.

Party deputy secretary general, Mrs Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga is tipped to land the post of secretary general, with spokesman, Mr Edwin Mushoriwa rising to the deputy presidency and national chairman, Mr Jobert Mudzumwe from Masvingo making way for Mr Goodrich Chimbaira from Chitungwiza.

Mr David Coltart, who is the secretary for legal affairs, is expected to replace Mr Fletcher Dulini Ncube as treasurer general, said an informed source in the party.
In an interview yesterday from Harare, three days after the party’s Bulawayo provincial council resolved to support Prof Ncube for the presidency, the source said a majority of provinces were backing the lawyer, while just two, Manicaland and Mashonaland Central, want the incumbent to serve another term.

“Ncube already has the support of 10 provinces — Bulawayo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Harare, Chitungwiza, Midlands North, Midlands South, Masvingo, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland East. In Masvingo, Mutambara has the support of one person, the chairman Rabson Mashiri. I think Mutambara will expect support from two provinces, Manicaland and Mashonaland Central. The rest are for Welshman Ncube,” said the source.
A few months before the elective congress, there is already jockeying for positions in the party with some figures canvassing for support. Although the actual election is done during congress, the background work and consultations at provincial and lower structures are normally done months before. -The Chronicle