A source who confided in this publication said that a proposal from that party’s interim Secretary General, Sengezo Tshabangu, to establish an elected leadership has emerged as a central solution to unify the CCC and restore credibility among the electorate.
"This elective congress is not just a choice; it’s an imperative for the survival and future success of our party,” said the source.
The call for democratic rejuvenation comes at a time when Nelson Chamisa, the party’s leader, is under immense pressure. His strategic ambiguity in the run-up to the elections has been labelled by critics and members alike as a failure, leading to a significant loss of both local and international support.
“Chamisa is in a tough spot. The party’s performance in the August elections was a wake-up call, and donors are now looking for new leadership,” added the source.
According to the source, this potential shift in leadership is further complicated by the fact that other senior members such as Tendai Biti, Welshman Ncube, Lovemore Moyo, and Elias Mudzuri are reportedly being considered by Western sponsors and Zambian emissaries. These entities believe that Chamisa’s time has passed and that a new face is needed to revive the ‘generational consensus’ project.
The source further disclosed that Mudzuri has been assertively expressing his views on the crucial necessity for internal restructuring and strategic mobilisation.
Mudzuri is reportedly advocating for a concentrated effort on fortifying the party’s foundations, emphasising preparation for upcoming political challenges over engaging in superficial political posturing.
“Mudzuri is making it clear that the path forward requires a pragmatic and introspective approach, focusing on solidifying our internal structures for the battles ahead,” the source conveyed.
As the CCC navigates through these tumultuous times, the call for an elective congress stands as a potential turning point, a democratic undertaking that could either mend the existing rifts or further change the political landscape of the opposition party.
