Nelson Chamisa Launches Citizens Coalition for Change

Zimbabwe’s Main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has formed a new political party – Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).

Chamisa dumped the MDC Alliance tag ahead of the March 26 by elections. The changes came after MDC-T president Douglas Mwonzora said his party would use the name MDC Alliance for the polls.

By dumping the contested name, it means Nelson Chamisa has effectively sidestepped factional squabbles and a legal dispute.

In recent years, the MDC has splintered into a variety of groupings all claiming the MDC name, symbols and colours.

The bickering has led to court battles and invited confusion among voters.

Addressing a press conference in Harare on Monday, Chamisa said Zimbabweans are embarking on a new course.

Nelson Chamisa said they have dropped all that relates to MDC Alliance, as they have lost everything to State coordinated fights.

Chamisa noted that “we have lost everything except ourselves. If you want MDC Alliance, take it. We cannot be sold. Our conviction to bring change to Zimbabwe is unshaken, it’s indomitable. We keep moving forward. The people have told us to leave the dirty past. We have listened to the people. It’s key to deliver the platform of transformation. Those other people came after our name … and we said take it.”

Nelson Chamisa Says New Party Is For The Citizen

“We are having citizens coming together. It’s a citizens’ affair. It’s a citizens’ indaba (meeting). It’s a citizens’ decision,” Chamisa told a news conference.

“It’s a citizens’ way to say we want change for Zimbabwe. So farmers for change, we want to see what you are doing. Teachers for change, we want to see what you are doing.”

He promised to transform lives in Zimbabwe. “We will go for the side meal (byelections), as a starter. The main meal is in 2023 and we are ready. The people have spoken. They want change. We want a new game in town …”

Chamisa said there is need to restore the dignity of the people of Zimbabwe.

He cited the migration of Zimbabweans to South Africa as a sign that all is not well in the country.

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) will use yellow as its colour dumping red which has been in use since the formation of the original MDC in 1999. CCC has also dumped the open palm symbol in favour of a hand raising the index finger.