'Chamisa no sellout'

Published: 2 hours ago

HWANGE Central legislator Daniel Molokele has defended former opposition leader Nelson Chamisa against accusations that he is "a sellout," saying the ex-CCC leader is instead "a victim of electoral theft" following Zimbabwe's disputed elections.

Molokele's remarks come amid renewed debate over Chamisa's political relevance after Greater Hwange Residents Trust coordinator Fidelis Chima questioned whether the former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader was still actively involved in politics.

"Is Chamisa still in politics? Are there political programmes that he is doing?" Chima asked, adding that other opposition figures such as Douglas Mwonzora and Lovemore Madhuku remained publicly active, particularly in opposing the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill (CAB 3).

Chima said although he did not support their politics, the two politicians had maintained visible campaigns against the proposed constitutional changes.

Responding to the remarks, Molokele dismissed suggestions that Chamisa had withdrawn from political life, insisting that he remained a key figure in Zimbabwe's opposition politics.

"President Nelson Chamisa is not a sellout. He is actually a victim of electoral theft," Molokele said.

Chamisa disputed the results of both the 2018 and 2023 presidential elections, claiming victory in the polls, allegations rejected by the government and electoral authorities.

According to Molokele, Chamisa remains committed to political change despite internal opposition disputes and electoral setbacks.

He said Chamisa was now pursuing what he described as "agenda 2026," focused on building a broad citizen-led movement instead of forming a new political party.

"Under agenda 2026, he has made it clear that he is not going to form another political party. Instead, he is pushing for a citizen-led and centred broad-based movement in the broader struggle for a new democratic Zimbabwe," Molokele said.

The legislator also blamed the 2023 recalls of opposition lawmakers for weakening the opposition in Parliament and paving the way for constitutional amendments.

He accused self-styled CCC interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu of working with the ruling Zanu-PF to trigger the recalls, claims Tshabangu has previously denied.

"The reason we are having CAB 3 today is simply because of the recalls initiated by a fake CCC secretary-general," Molokele said.

He further claimed that the regional bloc Southern African Development Community (Sadc) had expressed concern over the credibility of Zimbabwe's 2023 elections.

Chamisa, who has maintained a relatively low public profile since stepping away from formal opposition structures in early 2024, recently stated on social media that he does not support CAB 3.

Molokele reiterated his backing for Chamisa, describing him as a "people's president" and his preferred candidate for Zimbabwe's top office.
- Newsday

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