…as members turn against Shiriyedenga
Political Reporter
Daggers are drawn within the ranks of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) as discontented members point fingers at that party's interim Deputy Secretary for Elections, Ellen Shiriyedenga, accusing her of orchestrating the current confusion rocking the political organization.
Allegations have surfaced that Shiriyedenga, entrusted by CCC leader, Nelson Chamisa to oversee the candidate selection process for the 2023 harmonized elections, deliberately ignored complaints from party members regarding the imposition of candidates, sparking internal turmoil.
According to a reliable source within CCC, Shiriyedenga's handling of the candidate selection process has come under intense scrutiny, with accusations that she failed to address grievances promptly and amicably.
The source revealed that the failure to resolve queries related to candidate imposition prompted the CCC's interim Secretary-General, Sengezo Tshabangu, to take decisive action by removing councillors and Members of Parliament who were imposed on the electorate.
"There is a growing belief that Shiriyedenga is on ZANU PF payroll, paid to destabilise the party," the source claimed.
The source emphasised the need for a thorough investigation into Shiriyedenga's alleged connections, urging transparency and accountability to maintain the party's credibility in the eyes of its supporters.
The same source suggested that Shiriyedenga aligned herself with a faction that includes Welshman Ncube, Tendai Biti, and Sengezo Tshabangu, all reportedly opposed to the leadership of Chamisa.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Ellen Shiriyedenga proved futile as her mobile phones were unreachable.
However, political commentator, Calvin Chitsunge weighed in on the controversy, cautioning against using Shiriyedenga as a scapegoat.
Chitsunge asserted that whatever actions or omissions Shiriyedenga may have taken, she was merely following the orders of Nelson Chamisa.
"If there is anyone to blame for the chaos in CCC, then it has to be Chamisa, not anyone else," Chitsunge remarked.
Chitsunge emphasised that the responsibility for the turmoil lies at the top, urging a critical examination of leadership decisions within the CCC.
As CCC grapples with internal strife, the accusations against Shiriyedenga bring to the forefront broader questions about that party's cohesion and the leadership's ability to navigate challenges.
