Political Reporter
In a bid to reclaim the constituency he once held, co-leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Tendai Biti, has reportedly launched a strategic campaign to reclaim the Harare East constituency which fell vacant following the resignation of Allan Markham last month.
Markham resigned from parliament, in solidarity with former CCC leader, Nelson Chamisa, who resigned from that party in a huff.
A source close to the developments revealed that Biti has mobilised teams to spearhead his campaign in Harare East constituency, intensifying efforts to regain the seat he previously occupied before the 2018 elections.
According to an insider privy to the matter, Biti's determination to reclaim the Harare East constituency stems from his dissatisfaction with the controversial CCC’s candidate selection process, which saw him defeated by Markham for a ticket to represent that party in Harare East in last year’s polls.
The source disclosed, "Biti views the current political landscape as an opportune moment to reclaim what rightfully belongs to him and the CCC. His exclusion from the candidature last year was a setback, but now he sees a chance for redemption."
However, Biti's quest to reclaim Harare East is poised to encounter resistance from Markham, who reportedly intends to contest the same constituency as an independent candidate aligned to Chamisa.
This sets the stage for a fierce electoral battle between two prominent figures within the opposition camp, each vying for control over Harare East.
The source added that the internal friction within the opposition has manifested in the form of hostile exchanges within some WhatsApp groups in Harare East.
“Members aligned with Biti and Markham respectively, have engaged in a war of words, exchanging barbs and criticisms as tensions escalate ahead of the impending by-elections,” said the source.
In response to inquiries regarding the intra-party discord and Biti's campaign strategy, the source emphasised the significance of the upcoming by-elections, stating, "These by-elections are crucial for CCC's future trajectory. Biti recognises the importance of reclaiming Harare East and is leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit."
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is anticipated to announce the dates for upcoming by-elections in Harare East and Mt Pleasant, adding further anticipation and urgency to the unfolding political drama.
As Biti and Markham gear up for a showdown in Harare East, the by-elections promise to be a litmus test for the CCC's resilience and cohesion amidst the shifting dynamics of Zimbabwe’s opposition politics.
