The MDC-Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa has heeded the call by its ardent followers and dumped the name that has been claimed by many including nemesis Douglas Mwonzora.
*The party is now called Citizens Coalition for Change.*
For a long time many have proferred Chamisa’s party nameless, this is after Douglas Mwonzora dragged Chamisa to court and won the use of the name as well as the property belonging to the MDC-A particularly the Party headquarters, MRT House.
This was after the Zimbabwean courts ruled that Chamisa’s ascendency to the helm of the popular opposition party was unconstitutional.
When Mwonzora took over the MDC-T party Chamisa remained resolute, clinging to the coalition name that came after the uniting of parties that sought to dislodge the ruling ZANU-PF party.
When Mwonzora gained control of MDC-T he flexed his muscles and tried to use undue influence into subjugating Members of Parliament and Councilors to pledge their alliagence to him.
Many refused to be detected upon and remained steadfast behind Chamisa resulting in Mwonzora recalling them despite the fact that they were elected under the MDC-Alliance banner.
For some time Mwonzora has continued to claim both leadership of MDC-T as well as MDC-Alliance.
The recalls from parliament and council resulted in several vacancies which, according to prescribed law, should have been filled long back.
Thus, President Mnagagwa has called for elections to fill these vacancies.
The elections are slated for March.
Soon after the proclamation of By-Elections, Mwonzora was again found expressing that he is the leader of MDC-T as well as the MDC-Alliance.
Followers of Chamisa had been for a while advocating for a name change. Yet many have again been wary of government tactics which could be used to compel new parties from contesting local elections.
The battle for the name MDC-Alliance raged on until Mwonzora was forced to pen a letter to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), advising the commissioners there that only him (Mwonzora) was allowed to use the name MDC-A in any election and noone else. This permission was obtained through a court order.
The clarion call for Chamisa to dump the name MDC-Alliance became much louder.
The drama in the MDC formations continued to unfold as the Vice President of the Mwonzora led MDC-T, Dr. Thokozani Khupe split MDC-T to form hers after she alleged that Mwonzora has ceased to be the president after he announced that he was the rightful leader of the MDC-ALLIANCE.
In the meantime, Chamisa had advised his followers to be patient and wait for a sign as the by-elections were fast approaching.
And yesterday in a press conference, Chamisa and team dumped the colour Red, the Palm symbol and the name MDC.
Citizens Coalition for Change with the yellow colour is the new.
“We have left everything. Colour red, take it. There’s a new colour in town, yellow,” Announced Chamisa in an online conference.
Instead of the usual open hand symbol the supporters had been used to, CCC will be using the index finger pointed up.
Chamisa stated that his political party has been “fought and stumbled upon by mediocrity” he said this is a new beginning for Zimbabweans who support him.
“A new baby has been born.”
The name of the party came after the party’s resolution in its national council meeting on Saturday in Harare.
“We will defend people’s vote in 2023,” expressed Nelson Chamisa the president of CCC.
On Friday, Chamisa is set to announce the formation of their new party.
With the turn of events, the electorate eagerly awaits ZANU-PF and nemesis, Mwonzora’s reactions.
Already on social media many have taken lightly to this sudden shift change by Chamisa, since the nomination court will open its doors for by-elections.
While Chamisa’s followers have applauded the change whereas the opposing figures have sneered. Some renowned academics, journalists and social media users have welcomed the move.