CCC Leader Chamisa Rejects Career Politicians, Advises Them to Form Their Own Party
Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has expressed his disapproval of career politicians within his party and suggested that they should establish their own political organizations if they are dissatisfied with his leadership approach.
During a gathering with CCC members in Mashonaland East province, held at Mbuya Nehanda Hall in Marondera, Chamisa emphasized that his party is not a suitable environment for career politicians. He encouraged those seeking positions to consider forming their own political parties instead.
He stated, “Those who want positions, let me say, form your own party. No one is ever going to form a party stronger than this (CCC).”
Chamisa, known for his passionate style of politics, is currently touring the country to meet with provincial executives and receive reports regarding the recently concluded harmonized elections.
The CCC leader has been disputing the outcome of the August 23-24 elections, which declared Emmerson Mnangagwa of the Zanu PF party as the winner. Chamisa’s opposition movement claims that the elections were marred by fraud and is advocating for fresh elections to be held.
Critics have accused Chamisa of sidelining senior party members in favour of young activists. However, he clarified that leadership is not solely about academic knowledge but also about understanding the needs and aspirations of the citizens. Chamisa emphasized that the CCC is an organized citizens’ movement guided by the people’s interests, and previous positions held within the now-defunct MDC party are irrelevant to the current setup.
Chamisa further expressed his lack of concern about holding an elective congress for the CCC, stating that there is no rush. He addressed the perception that the CCC lacks a formal structure by highlighting the successful election of mayors, councillors, and Members of Parliament within the party. He cited examples of leaders in Goromonzi and South Africa as evidence of their presence.
Acknowledging that defeating the ruling Zanu PF party was a challenging task, Chamisa attributed their victory in the election to the support of the citizens, despite facing obstacles such as state institutions backing the incumbent government, alleged involvement of organizations like FAZ (Forever Associates Zimbabwe), and traditional leaders aligned with the ruling party.
While the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Election Observer Mission report concluded that the Zimbabwean elections did not meet local, regional, and international standards and were not free, credible, and fair, Chamisa expressed his belief that even if SADC fails to intervene, divine intervention will take place.
Chamisa’s remarks highlight his stance on career politicians within the CCC and his determination to lead the party in his own style, aiming to bring about political change in Zimbabwe.
