Harare Post Reporter

Nelson Chamisa's recent attempt to assert exclusive ownership of his image on the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) logo has triggered a legal and political storm.

Critics, including political analyst Professor Jonathan Moyo, dismiss the move as a "frivolous propaganda ploy" lacking legal merit.

In a letter to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) dated December 18, 2023, Chamisa sought to exclude nomination papers featuring his face without personal authorization.

Professor Moyo sees through the facade, branding Chamisa's letter as mere propaganda tailored for political optics.

Writing on his X (formerly Twitter) page, Professor Moyo emphasised that ZEC operates as a rule-bound constitutional body mandated to conduct elections transparently and in accordance with the law.

Prof. Moyo added that Chamisa's letter, bereft of legal substance, seems tailored for political optics rather than presenting a compelling case to ZEC.

A pivotal argument debunked by Professor Moyo revolves around Chamisa's claimed rights to his face image.

Prof. Moyo contends that Chamisa's decision in January 2022, allowing the National Council of the MDC-Alliance to use his face as the "trademark" of the CCC, legally transferred ownership of the image to the CCC.

Prof. Moyo states, "Chamisa’s face image is factually and legally the property of CCC."

Moyo's analysis exposed the legal and factual inconsistencies in Chamisa's attempt to control the use of his face image on the CCC logo.

According to Professor Moyo, having willingly surrendered it to the CCC in 2022, Chamisa's current bid appears legally unsound and politically opportunistic.

In light of these developments, Professor Moyo suggests that if Chamisa genuinely seeks a change in the ownership of his face image on the CCC logo, the proper course of action would be a legal challenge through the courts.

Such a move would enable a meticulous examination and scrutiny of Chamisa's claims within the established legal framework.

Meanwhile, Chamisa’s endeavour to influence the usage of his face image, once legally relinquished to the CCC, is likely to be met with scepticism, prompting calls for a more appropriate legal process to address the intricate matter.