CCC urges aspiring candidates to avoid premature celebrations

HARARE – The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has cautioned its aspiring candidates against prematurely declaring victory, as the party is yet to officially confirm the successful candidates for the upcoming 2023 election.

Despite some individuals campaigning as confirmed CCC candidates in certain areas, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere clarified that the Candidate Independent Section Panel (CISP) had not yet released the list of successful candidates.

While various lists of supposed CCC successful candidates are circulating on social media platforms, Mahere emphasized that an official list would be announced “at the appropriate time.”

The CCC’s candidate selection process differs from a traditional primary election and follows a four-step procedure centred around consulting multiple stakeholders to identify candidates preferred by the community.

Mahere explained, “It’s important to highlight that once each step is complete, a formal report is presented to the panel, which then collates all the factors to select a candidate.

“The citizen caucuses are not decisive nor are they meant to necessarily produce a single candidate. All factors will be taken into account, and a formal list will be announced at the appropriate time.”

Mahere further underscored that only the CISP possessed the authority to declare candidates, urging all citizens and stakeholders to exercise patience and disregard any leaked lists from mischievous sources.

Once the final and official candidate list is completed, it will be publicly disclosed and communicated through official channels.

With this year’s election scheduled for August 23, the Nomination Court is set to convene on June 21.

However, critics contend that the CCC is running out of time to finalize its candidates selection process.

Contrary to speculation, Mahere confirmed that there are currently no confirmed candidates even at the ward level nationwide.

As part of their 2023 agenda, the CCC aims to produce citizen representatives who will compete in the upcoming election.

To achieve this objective, the party has implemented a citizens’ candidate selection template that outlines the step-by-step process.

“The process lets citizens nominate their own candidates, uses an independent panel to vet nominated candidates, allows citizens to question candidates through caucuses, and then final selection and validation are made by CISP,” Mahere explained.

As the CCC endeavours to empower communities in selecting their representatives, the party emphasises the significance of adhering to the established process.

Aspiring candidates are urged to respect the ongoing procedure and refrain from prematurely assuming success.

The CCC remains committed to announcing the official candidate list in due course, providing citizens with a transparent and inclusive electoral process.