CCC TARGETS ZANU PF RURAL STRONGHOLDS
The opposition CCC party says 80% of their campaign rallies will focus on rural areas – traditionally seen as loyal Zanu PF territory.
CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere revealed the strategy, with party leader Nelson Chamisa addressing 3 rallies in Midlands on Wednesday. But Chamisa has faced obstacles, with police banning most of his planned rallies citing vague reasons.
Analysts praise Chamisa’s strategy of targeting rural voters, saying it challenges Zanu PF “in an area it sees as its safe political turf.” The CCC message needs to reach communities where “the democratic space is most constrained.”
But police blockades continue. Yesterday cops barred roadshows for Chamisa’s rally in Beitbridge, and a court sided with police.
Mahere slammed the police, saying: “The ban has nothing to do with the law, it’s about repression.” She claims CCC has complied with rally rules but “the police are not being honest.”
Experts say if CCC can win over rural voters, long loyal to Zanu PF, it could give Chamisa the presidency. Analyst Effie Ncube says: “Those are the people that have sustained Zanu PF…if you want to undo Zanu PF you need to go into its base.”
CCC is taking the fight to Zanu PF’s rural heartland. But cops keep blocking the way. Will police repression allow rural voters to even hear CCC’s message? Only the ballot box will tell.
