BY ELIA NTALI

Harare-The Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Zimbabwe which was embattled in power struggles for the past weeks finally elected Reverend Amon Dubie Madawo as their new president.

The tumultuous events in the Pentecostal Church had split the church into two warring factions — one led by outgoing president Dr Aspher Madziyire while another led by his deputy, Reverend Cosam Chiyangwa.

The AFM scuffles have mainly centred on alleged Dr Madziyire’s firm hold to office for 15 years while the Rev Chiyangwa led group has been pushing for fresh elections to choose new leadership.

A source close to the events in the church revealed that there was misinterpretation of facts which led to the split.

“President Madziyire never held on to power as reported, he actually publicly stated that he will be stepping down, this was at the National youth conference and the women’s conference” said the source

The source added “Chiyangwa and his group were saying the church had been secularised through the constitution which was a misrepresentation of facts. Reverend Nathan Nhira (Chiyangwa group) was head of the committee on the proposed constitution and even made submission on behalf of the committee.

“Chiyangwa voted for the same draft constitution on 15 September 2018, there were 2056 delegates, 35 (1.7%) voted against and 98.3% voted for the constitution. The elections were meant to adopt the draft constitution and not ratifying because it was resolved that it has to go to the people to study and make submissions”

According to the source a committee, the Provincial Reform Committee comprising of 2 elders, 2 pastors and 2 deacons would present the draft at local churches.

“The current constitution stated that in the election year conduct provincial election which will culminate into national elections and this resulted in the November 3 elections which confirmed Reverend Madawo’s ascendancy