Chamisa officially dumps CCC party in wake of Tshabangu challenge

HARARE – In a significant political move, Zimbabwe opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has officially distanced himself from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party.

This decision, conveyed through an announcement on his X account on Thursday, marks a pivotal development in the country’s political landscape.

Chamisa’s decision to sever ties with the CCC follows the controversial takeover of the party by Sengezo Tshabangu, who declared himself the interim secretary-general in 2023, months after the contentious general elections won by incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zanu PF.

In his announcement, Chamisa shared a 13-page document outlining the ideas, reasons, and challenges faced by him and the authentic opposition movement in what he described as a politically contaminated environment in Zimbabwe.

He addressed the authenticity of the elections held on August 23, 2023, stating that they did not meet the standards of credibility.

“As you may recall, after the elections, I went around the country. I came to you when I went on a citizens’ interface and listening tour. You were very clear that the 23 August 2023 elections did not meet the standard or pass the test of credibility. The announced result was not an authentic representation of the collective citizens’ voices,” Chamisa expressed in his announcement.

He further revealed efforts to seek regional and continental assistance by writing to and petitioning the Southern African Development Community (SADC), emphasizing the need for Zimbabweans to find common ground.

Chamisa thanked African leaders for their understanding and expressed hope in finding African solutions to the challenges faced by the country.

“In conclusion, there can be no doubt that the August 23, 2023, process was not credible. It goes without saying that it is only through an authentic and valid election that a legitimate government is formed, emerges, and is recognized by the citizens and the whole world. This simply has not happened. This is the legitimacy issue. Proper and credible elections must be conducted in Zimbabwe,” Chamisa affirmed in the document.

Recent indications suggest that Chamisa may be contemplating the formation of a new political entity with the name “Democratic Alternative in Zimbabwe (DAZ).”

The political landscape in Zimbabwe remains fluid, with these developments likely to shape the trajectory of opposition politics in the country.