By Wezhira Munya
The Citizens Coalition for Change [CCC] party achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first opposition party since 1980 to have candidates running for all positions, at council and parliamentary levels in Chiredzi. This was a significant moment in the country’s political history, as CCC demonstrated its strong presence and participation in the electoral process.
Chiredzi constituencies have traditionally been regarded as Zanu PF territories. This myth has been debunked by the CCC party led by President Chamisa.
The majority of Chiredzi constituencies have resettled farmers. In these constituencies, Zanu PF always threatens citizens that whoever votes or supports an opposition party will be expelled from the farms.
Yesterday, Chiredzi South Zanu PF members, in conjunction with Forever Associates of Zimbabwe [FAZ] members, disrupted two CCC Chiredzi South rallies. The CCC rallies were held at Makambe Business Centre and Chikovo Business Centre.
CCC Chiredzi Cluster leader, Mrs. Mugidho, said, “Zanu PF and FAZ members disrupted our rally at Makambe Business Centre and Chikovo Business Centre. This rally was cleared by the police. I am the convoyer of these two rallies that were disrupted by Zanu-PF members.”
Mrs. Mugidho further said, “Zanu-PF and FAZ members disrupted our two rallies in the presence of Election Observers.”
Both rallies were being addressed by CCC Chiredzi South aspiring member of parliament, Dr. Douglas Gumbo, CCC aspiring Proportional Representative candidate, Mrs. Mugidho, and aspiring senator, Emmaculate Makondo.
The police came but failed to disperse violent Zanu-PF members. Zanu PF members disrupted this rally while election observers were watching.
Also, at Chikovo Business Centre in Chiredzi South, Zanu PF disrupted the CCC rally again. This rally was cleared by the police, but Zanu PF disrupted the rally while police officers were watching.
Dr. Gumbo, CCC aspiring member of parliament candidate, said, “Zanu PF is disturbing our campaigns in Chiredzi. We have made several reports to the police against Zanu PF members, but the police are yet to arrest them.”
A few weeks ago, police officers disrupted CCC Presidential rally at Tshovani stadium in Chiredzi Central after they fired rubber bullets and teargas against CCC members. Then, the police officers arrested eight CCC Chiredzi Central members after disrupting the rally, and they spent two weeks in remand prison.
Before disrupting CCC Chiredzi Central Presidential rally, ZANU-PF and police failed to disrupt CCC Chikombedzi Presidential rally.
Zanu PF has dismally failed to make Chiredzi constituencies no-go areas for CCC party, said aspiring senator Makondo.
Chiredzi citizens should be commendable for their resilience and bravery in the midst of Zanu PF violence and intimidation.
