Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – An opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillor has resigned from the party to run in the upcoming Insiza North parliamentary by-election as an independent.

Leslie Dube was councillor for Ward 15 in Filabusi district, and has now trained his eyes on the parliamentary seat which fell vacant after the incumbent, Farai Taruvinga, died recently. The by-election is scheduled for June 14, 2025.

In a letter to the CCC party leadership, Dube said he took the decision to resign from the opposition party after deep reflection on its state of affairs.

“I write to you with a heavy heart and deep respect to formally tender my resignation from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), with immediate effect.

“This decision has not been an easy one. It comes after extensive reflection on the state of our democratic struggle and the urgent need to confront and dismantle the enduring hegemony of ZANU PF in our rural strongholds, particularly in Insiza North.

“I have come to the difficult conclusion that I can no longer carry out this mission from within the CCC under the current circumstances,” said Dube.

He further said that his decision to contest the upcoming Insiza North by-election is driven by an unwavering commitment to defending and expanding democratic freedoms for local communities.

“My desire to contest the upcoming parliamentary elections in Insiza North, scheduled for 14 June 2025, stems from an unshakable commitment to defending and expanding the democratic space for our people.

“I believe this task requires a bold and independent stance, unencumbered by the internal challenges currently affecting our movement.”

New Ziana