Staff Reporter
The planned demonstrations orchestrated by the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) to push for fresh elections and reinstatement of recalled legislators and councillors have dismally fizzled out.
This marks another setback for that party, as the anticipated public support and fervour failed to materialize.
A well-placed source within the CCC ranks, who spoke to this publication, revealed that the planned Harare demonstrations, which were intended to push for by-elections in constituencies affected by recalls, faced a substantial lack of participation. CCC members and the public reportedly refused to partake citing possible repercussions from the law enforcement agents.
“People are choosing to focus on their day to day lives because they are disgruntled by the negligent leadership of Chamisa. Chamisa is well known to abandon his members once they are arrested for carrying out his orders. We are facing a lot of challenges and the party is collapsing across the country.
“We were in opposition since 1999 when the MDC was formed under the leadership of Morgan Richard Tsvangirai, but what we are witnessing today under Chamisa is uninspiring. It has become a one man band. If Chamisa continues with his autocratic leadership, the people will resist until he stops running this party like his personal tuckshop and property,” said the source.
Additionally, one source highlighted the perceived abandonment of Job Sikhala, who is currently in prison. Some members expressed fear that if anything was to happen to them during the demonstrations; the CCC leadership might not be readily available to offer support.
“The abandonment of Job Sikhala by Chamisa in prison has instilled fear among members. There is a genuine concern that in the face of potential repercussions during demonstrations, the CCC leadership might not be readily available to offer the necessary support, raising apprehensions about the safety and well-being of those standing for their cause.
“CCC members worry that aligning themselves with Chamisa, much like Sikhala, could lead to abandonment. This fear of potential abandonment by Chamisa is prompting some members to take a back seat in the planned demonstrations, hesitant to risk getting on the wrong side of the law,” added the source.
Additionally, in Mabvuku-Tafara, organizers assigned to orchestrate the demonstrations in the city allegedly provided unwarranted excuses, contributing to the lack of turnout. Youth member, Chipo Takawira cited parliamentary commitments, while others expressed concerns about potential consequences without sufficient backing from the CCC leadership.
Meanwhile, CCC finds itself in a situation akin to ATRUZ leader Obert Masaraure, who has lost political relevance and is now immersed in internal disputes, struggling to unite members for joint efforts. The unsuccessful demonstrations highlight the prevailing internal issues within the opposition, raising concerns about Chamisa's capacity to mobilize and effectively involve its supporters.
