Mutambara backs Chamisa for 2023 general elections

HARARE – Professor Arthur Mutambara has expressed his support for Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa as he vies for the presidency in the upcoming general elections scheduled for August 23.

Mutambara, in an exclusive interview with Heart & Soul TV (HSTV), described incumbent president Emmerson Mnangagwa, leader of the ruling Zanu PF party, as an average and incompetent leader.

Speaking on the HSTV FreeTalk program, Mutambara commended Chamisa and the CCC for their efforts, stating, “I have a lot of respect for my colleagues in the CCC. I have a lot of respect for President Chamisa. He is doing a great job.”

He further added, “They could fix one or two things here and there, but I communicate privately and tell them what I think can be done.”

Mutambara, who served as Deputy Prime Minister from 2009 to 2013 representing the MDC-M during the Government of National Unity, expressed his concerns about the existing political landscape and the challenges faced by the opposition.

He highlighted the unfair playing field that favors Zanu PF and voiced his skepticism about the possibility of meaningful change in the upcoming elections.

“It’s a tragedy because I don’t see anything positive coming out of this election because already there is the story around the voters’ roll, where people go and can’t find their names.

“The voters’ roll is not available to the opposition. The political opposition is being harassed,” Mutambara lamented.

He cited the detention of CCC MP for Zengeza West, Job Sikhala, and Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume as examples of opposition figures facing persecution.

Mutambara doesn’t fancy ruthless Mnangagwa

Regarding Mnangagwa‘s government, Mutambara accused it of corruption and incompetence, comparing the president to the late Robert Mugabe.

“Mnangagwa is a crude version of the late Robert Mugabe on corruption, on tribalism,” he stated.

“On incompetence, he is worse because he has no finesse.”

Mutambara also criticized Mnangagwa’s administration for its perceived insecurity, leading to the use of force and repression.

“These guys are insecure, very insecure, very incompetent, and they are very quick to use force because they doubt their legitimacy,” he remarked.

In conclusion, Mutambara hinted at the possibility of his return to active politics if the current leadership continues to fail.

“If they continue failing, I might have to reconsider my retirement, but for now, I am teaching. I am a professor and director at the University of the Future of Knowledge, but I keep my options open.”

As the general elections draw near, Mutambara’s endorsement of Chamisa adds another dimension to the political landscape, further intensifying the competition and highlighting the divisions within Zimbabwean politics.