Staff Reporter

Citizens Coalition for Change leader, Nelson Chamisa’s dispute of the election results in Zimbabwe is not an isolated occurrence. It mirrors the actions of Donald Trump in the United States following his loss to Joe Biden.

Trump cited concerns such as Dominion voting machines switching votes and inexplicably high Democratic turnout as proof that the election was not free and fair. In response, Biden tweeted, “Democracy cannot survive when one side believes there are only two outcomes to an election: either they win, or they were cheated. That’s not democracy. And that’s where the vast majority of MAGA Republicans are today. You can’t love your country only when you win.” Using Biden’s observation one may conclude that Chamisa is a miserable caricature of Trump.

When it comes to Chamisa’s claim that he won the popular vote, there is virtually no evidence to support such weird assertions. The CCC failed to deploy agents in all polling stations due to financial mismanagement and unpopularity in the rural areas. Chamisa is accused of misappropriating election funds that he had received from his handlers and those crowdfunded from party supporters. He received more than US$37 million. Additionally, his paranoia and poor leadership qualities that saw him alienate seasoned partners in favour of novices disintegrated the opposition formation.

It is also worth noting that to compensate for the logistical challenges on the first voting day, an additional day was added to ensure everyone had an opportunity to vote, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to an inclusive and democratic electoral process.

President Mnangagwa has even indicated a revival of the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD), providing another avenue for dialogue rather than discord. Chamisa should join POLAD and play a more constructive role.