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Paidamoyo Mutsvairo

Correspondent

As the nation inches towards the 2023 harmonised elections, the signal for the battle has already been on, as most political parties including the ruling party, Zanu PF, opposition CCC and Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) have begun nationwide campaigns to attract and win the hearts and soul of the electorate.

It is the wish of every political party leader to garner more votes than other parties.

However, some of the campaigns and speeches being made at political rallies are pathetic and will never attract any new votes.

As the leader of the CCC, Chamisa lacks oratory skills and, honestly, his speeches have nothing in terms of substance.

Listening to Chamisa’s speeches since he usurped MDC leadership following the death of the MDC founder, Morgan Tsvangirai in 2018, one would agree that he is nothing, but just an empty vessel.

What surprises most is the way Chamisa became the leader of MDC and later on CCC leader.

He mounted a coup, and through that, he ascended to the leadership of the MDC. In simpler terms, it can be safely said Chamisa rigged his way to MDC presidency, given that there was no congress which was held.

While Chamisa may want to portray himself as champion of democracy, the fact that he is failing to establish party structures clearly shows the autocratic side of him.

On 3 July 2022, self-exiled and former cabinet Minister, Professor Jonathan Moyo twitted, “If a political party styling itself as brand new, with a mission to trigger a “democratic breakthrough” in Zimbabwe, has no constitution, no structures and no elected leadership; on what democratic and constitutional grounds can it make demands on anyone to uphold any constitution?”

Prof Moyo’s views about CCC are a pointer and proof that Chamisa is running that party like a secret society.

It is only Chamisa who holds a post as the president of CCC. Given that it is only a few months before the 2023 elections, failing to put structures by Chamisa is a recipe for CCC demise.

On the other hand, Chamisa’s ignorance on establishing party structures is possibly because of factionalism within that party.

It is known that western funders have lost favour in Chamisa. Chamisa has failed to please that party’s donors, hence they are picking Tendai Biti as their favourite and the best candidate for 2023 presidential elections.

It is also imperative to note that Biti is leading a faction that is plotting to oust the embattled Chamisa.

Biti and his allies are of the view that Chamisa is weak and should not be at the helm of the party and they are plotting to remove him as the party leader before the 2023 plebiscite.

Reports have it that Chamisa has been receiving financial support from donors, but used the finances for his personal benefits.

For instance, Chamisa was given about US$120 000 to purchase a bullet proof car, but up to date, no car was bought.

In fact, most of his supporters and party members are up in arms with him, demanding to see either the car or the funds. Honestly, if your own party members lose trust in you, winning elections will be just a dream.

Considering that Chamisa has a trail of defeats, even his failure to represent his constituency during his tenure as Member of Parliament in Kuwadzana East, winning a presidential election is certainly a nightmare.

While CCC has been harping about so-called reforms, Government has either amended or realigned laws that allegedly curtailed people’s freedoms, including the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) and Public Order and Security Act (POSA).

On the other hand, it is pleasing to note that Zanu PF policies have always been people centred.

Despite economic sanctions imposed on the country by the United States, United Kingdom and European Union, a number of developmental projects including road rehabilitation, expansion of power generation plants and construction of dams are being implemented nationwide, using local resources. Such interventions help to improve the living standards of Zimbabweans. Also, the fact that people are witnessing economic growth and enhanced service delivery under the Second Republic, such a move is encouraging and will contribute in gaining support for the ruling party, Zanu PF ahead of the 2023 elections.