Chamisa’s departure victory for CCC democrats – Mutsvangwa

Harare (New Ziana)- A senior ruling Zanu PF official on Saturday described the resignation of Nelson Chamisa as leader of the opposition Citizens for Coalition Change (CCC) party as a victory for members that were fighting for democracy in the party.

Chamisa stepped down as party leader of the CCC this week, and has left the nation guessing about his next political move.

The resignation followed intense leadership squabbles in the party pitting him and CCC interim secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu which led to the recall of many party legislators, and local council representatives.

This paved way for by-elections, some of which have already been held, and others yet to.

Addressing a press conference, Zanu PF secretary for Information and Publicity, ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa said Chamisa’s departure was a victory for democrats in the CCC.

In the squabbles that have ensued in the party since last year’s August general elections, the CCC leader stood accused of dictatorial behaviour and tendencies, especially when it came to decision-making.

For instance, he was accused by Tshabangu of imposing candidates in the general election without regard to the electoral choices made by members in primary voting.

The main grievance, though, was Chamisa’s alleged refusal to create leadership structures in the CCC, preferring – instead – to run the party single-handedly under what he called strategic ambiguity.

“How can a leader of a party who wants to run a country thrive on what they call strategic ambiguity? All human beings live on structures because we work socially together in a distinctive manner,” Mutsvangwa, who is also Minister of War Veterans’ Affairs, said.

“This strategic ambiguity has consumed it’s author as it was nothing short of camouflage dictatorship on the part of Chamisa,” he said.

He warned that the former opposition leader could be headed for tough times ahead in accounting for the days he was at the helm of the CCC.

“Organizations have ways in which to make you accountable. There are books that have to be looked at, there are assets, there were funds which were received. We have heard of enormous complaints from CCC membership which went to campaigns and were not paid,” he said.

“Now that he’s not in charge I hope the books won’t disappear because remaining people have administration accounts to settle,” he said.

Mutsvangwa said judging by grievances CCC party members have, Chamisa could be heading for long days before the courts.

New Ziana