Staff Reporter
Double candidacy has rocked the CCC ahead of the February by-elections, a development that has witnessed cracks within that party widening.
According to a reliable source, the CCC is repeating its controversial practice of fielding multiple candidates in several constituencies, setting the stage for potentially divisive intra-party battles.
“In Chegutu's Ward 5, two CCC hopefuls, Gloria Kawadza and Alice Kundhlande, are set to square off against each other, while also facing a Zanu-PF candidate, Alice Mavetera. A similar scenario unfolds in Ward 9, where Pamela Ngaru and Loice Tigirigi will vie for the seat alongside a Zanu-PF and independent candidates. Chinhoyi Ward 9 also witnessed a CCC double candidacy with Nicholas Phiri and Ninion Varandeni facing off against Zanu-PF's Edward Besu,” revealed the source.
The source further revealed that the CCC's internal divisions extend beyond these three wards.
“In Chinhoyi Ward 12, Chitungwiza Wards 7 and 21, Gweru Ward 11, Kwekwe Ward 9, Marondera Wards 8 and 10, and Mutare Wards 5, 8, and 12, the party has again fielded multiple candidates, potentially splitting the vote and jeopardizing its chances of success,” said the source.
“These internal divisions are seriously worrisome,” the source confided. "The CCC leadership seems incapable of preventing these double candidacies, exposing a worrying lack of control and strategic direction.”
Additionally, this latest development stems from the recent recalls of both parliamentary and local authority representatives by the CCC's Secretary-General, Sengezo Tshabangu. The recalls, triggered by internal disagreements within the party, have necessitated by-elections, and both Tshabangu and the Nelson Chamisa-led CCC are fielding their own candidates in these contests. Notably, both sides are using Chamisa's image on their campaign logo, further adding to the confusion and potential for voter disenfranchisement.
Furthermore, the CCC leadership has come under fire from its party members for failing to internally handle the recalls and for its seemingly uncoordinated approach to the upcoming elections.
Political analysts have argued that the double candidacies are a symptom of internal power struggles and a lack of strategic direction, which have potentially weakened that party's ability to effectively challenge Zanu-PF.
Meanwhile, the ruling party has seized an opportunity over the CCC's internal divisions, to thoroughly campaign for its candidates to reclaim the once CCC strongholds in the upcoming by-elections.
