Staff Reporter
A storm of discontent is brewing within the ranks of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) as aspiring legislators set to contest the upcoming February 3, 2024, by-elections feel increasingly abandoned by party leader Nelson Chamisa.
According to a source close to the situation, Chamisa instructed these candidates to file their nomination papers as independents, a move purportedly designed to shield them from potential recalls by the party's Secretary General, Sengezo Tshabangu.
However, the source alleges that Chamisa has failed to provide any financial or logistical support, leaving the aspiring candidates feeling like political orphans.
"Chamisa told them to file as independent candidates, but until now, he has not provided any resources to help them run their campaigns. Chamisa's directive for the aspiring candidates to file as independent candidates was a tactical move to safeguard their positions, but the lack of financial support has left many of them feeling abandoned. Without the necessary resources, their campaigns face significant hurdles,” said the source.
Recalled CCC legislators, the source revealed, harboured the belief that Chamisa would leverage his political clout to actively campaign for their re-election in the forthcoming by-elections.
"They thought Chamisa would be out there on the ground, rallying support for them, but he has been strangely silent. It's like he has forgotten about them altogether.
“Despite the anticipation that Chamisa would champion their cause after the recalls, his failure to publicly endorse the candidates has sown seeds of scepticism among the legislators. There is a palpable feeling that Chamisa's leadership may be lacking the political fervour needed to navigate these challenging electoral times," revealed the source.
Furthermore, the source revealed that Chamisa's perceived lack of public endorsement has further eroded confidence in his leadership among the aspiring candidates.
Meanwhile, as the by-elections draw near, the CCC finds itself at a crossroads, with internal dynamics threatening the party's cohesiveness and the trust between its leader and aspiring legislators hanging in the balance.
