Nelson Chamisa unveils bold political move after quitting coalition party

Zimbabwe’s opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, undeterred by recent challenges, declares readiness for a fresh start in politics.

In an exclusive interview on Friday, Chamisa announces his decision to remain in the political arena, revealing plans to establish a new political group.

The move comes just a day after his dramatic exit from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), a party he founded two years ago, citing government infiltration by the ruling ZANU-PF party.

“I am definitely not quitting, because winners don’t quit. And quitters never win,” asserts Chamisa, demonstrating unwavering determination.

Describing his departure from CCC as “drawing a line in the sand,” Chamisa signals a break with the past, emphasizing, “What we are is a new approach, a new way, a fresh start.” Despite keeping the new party name under wraps, he intriguingly mentions, “We are building a big church.”

Reflecting on the controversial 2022 election, where President Emmerson Mnangagwa secured a second term amidst international criticism of democratic standards, Chamisa acknowledges the political tensions that have ensued. The ruling ZANU-PF, though having a majority in parliament, fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to alter the constitution.

The recent political crisis, marked by the removal of opposition lawmakers, is traced back to an obscure figure claiming the role of CCC’s “interim secretary general.” This move triggered a series of by-elections favoring ZANU-PF, further complicating Zimbabwe’s political landscape.

Chamisa, who faced a similar situation in 2018 within the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), highlights the need for a different political strategy. Learning from past mistakes, he expresses, “We’ve seen that we’re dealing with a toxic and dangerous ruling party. So we will not repeat that same mistake. We’ll do our politics in a different way.”

As Zimbabwe awaits the unveiling of Chamisa’s new political endeavor, the charismatic opposition leader remains resolute in navigating the intricate political terrain, ready for the challenges that lie ahead.