by Rudo Saungweme

Despite claims by MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa that he won the July elections, his party continue to lose in elections, the latest being the by election in Chimanimani East where his party’s candidate lost to, not only Zanu PF but to an independent candidate as well.

 Zanu PF candidate Ronald Chimbarara won with 467 votes followed by an Independent candidate, Amin Muchuru who garnered 357 votes. Mukombami Chiombiro from MDC Alliance 92 votes and Tapfumanei Mashundu also lost with 37 votes. Spoilt papers were ten. Voter turnout was 23.82

Chimanimani East Ward 13 seat fell vacant immediately before the July 30 2018 harmonised elections following the death of Taiti Simba Mehwendepi on 17 July 2018.Under such circumstances the electoral Act states that the election is suspended until declaration of another date by the Head of State.

Chamisa has become unpopular with his supporters even before the 30 July harmonised elections. MDC Alliance supporters were disgruntled during primary elections. They alleged that Chamisa was imposing candidates.

“We are not happy with the way this young man is running the party. The man is very egoistic and only needs his desires to be met. As I speak right now, Chamisa wants to go uncontested in our upcoming 2019 congress. We now want Douglas Mwonzora to take over from this selfish man. Chamisa is aware of his inadequacies. He cannot win a race with Douglas Mwonzora,”said an MDC Alliance supporter who refused to be known for fear of victimisation

In 2014, the then MDC-T Secretary General, Douglas Mwonzora beat Chamisa for the position of Secretary General. Mwonzora won in the race with 2 464 votes while Chamisa lost with 1 756. It is alleged that MDC Alliance supporters no longer have trust in Chamisa whom they  say is a selfish dictator and does not care about people`s welfare.