CCC moves on without Chamisa

THE resignation of Mr Nelson Chamisa from CCC has been met with muted responses even by his once closest allies amid indications that only a few are prepared to follow him out of the beleaguered opposition party.

In a statement yesterday, the CCC said its leadership had resolved to revert to the structures elected at the MDC Alliance congress in Gweru in May 2019, where Ms Lynnette Karenyi-Kore, Messrs Tendai Biti and Welshman Ncube were elected as vice presidents.

The party also announced that its leadership had appointed vice president KarenyiKore, who is also the MP for Chikanga constituency, as the new Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.

She will replace Mr Chamisa’s close ally, Mr Amos Chibaya, who was recalled from the position by the party’s interim secretary general, Mr Sengezo Tshabangu and barred by the court from running in by-elections set for February 3.

“Following President Chamisa’s statement, the party leadership elected at the Gweru congress convened an emergency meeting to consider both the contents of president Chamisa’s statement, and its immediate implications.

“It is important to remember that president Chamisa was elected unopposed at the Gweru national congress in May 2019. His leadership and presidency of the party has never been in dispute or contestation. Until his statement, he was the undisputed president of the party.

“The party leadership also resolved that power and authority will collectively reside in the national leadership elected at the Gweru national congress. The leadership further reaffirmed the authority of national, provincial, district, ward and branch executive committees elected leading to the May 2019 Gweru congress,” said the CCC in a statement.

The CCC communication department added that its leadership resolved that another leadership meeting would be convened as a matter of urgency and further announcements would be made after that meeting.

“It is important that all party deployees in various positions of responsibility must continue executing their mandates whilst the leadership seeks ways to resolve the current issues. The general membership of the party is also called upon to jealously guard and defend the unity and cohesion of the party, and to do all that will enhance the standing of the party.”

FreeZim Congress party president and businessman Mr Joseph Makamba Busha yesterday said Mr Chamisa’s decision to quit his party is attributable to confusion.

“I feel sorry for him. You cannot start the foundation of a new house, and before completing that house you move to start a new one. This is confusion and it is a tragedy because that shows we (opposition) cannot build institutions that stand the test of time.

“I understand him because he is still young. But I will engage with him,” said Mr Busha.

In an open letter to Mr Chamisa, Labour, Economists and African Democrats (LEAD) president Linda Masarira slammed the former CCC leader for being selfish.

“Did you consider your MPs, councillors, and supporters whom you kept at bay with false hope of Sadc interventions and fresh elections? Why have you thrown your MPs and councillors under the bus? Are you punishing them for refusing to totally disengage from Parliament?

“Successful leaders don’t quit until the job is done. They don’t spend time complaining about the challenges and obstacles. Rather, they spend their time solving problems and creating solutions. What you have done here is a clear reflection of your egocentric nature with no regard whatsoever about the people around you,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mr Chamisa’s resignation has sparked debate and discussion among the general public.

“What a great betrayal to his own political colleagues?” Mr Jayden Ngirandi said.

“Chamisa has caused more extensive damage than the one caused by Tshabangu, if the principle of reasoning and quantitative damage is to be applied.”

“He is going to lose trust and credibility from his funders, stakeholders, and founders of the MDC since its inception in 1999.”

Mrs Nicole Mudhume said Chamisa’s departure may have demoralised the CCC’s supporters, making them less likely to engage in political activities.

Mr Philip Dzenga, a former CCC member, said Mr Chamisa’s resignation amplifies his selfish character.

“All he cares about is power, even if it means betraying the electorate, and these are dangerous signs of a dictator,” he said.