CCC releases 2023 official candidate list
The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has released its official list of candidates for the upcoming national harmonised elections, which are set to take place sometime between July 26 and August 26.
The party leader, Nelson Chamisa, who was unanimously nominated as the presidential candidate, said the party was ready to challenge the ruling ZANU-PF and bring change to Zimbabwe.
“We have a strong team of candidates who represent the aspirations of the people. We are confident that we will win this election and usher in a new era of democracy, development and dignity for all Zimbabweans,” he said.
The list of candidates includes former mayors, current members of parliament, lawyers and activists. Some of the notable names are:
- Angeline Kasipo, former Kwekwe mayor, who was recently suspended from the council by Local Government Minister July Moyo for opposing a steep city budget. She will contest for Kwekwe Central constituency.
- Josiah Makombe, former Gweru mayor, who will contest for Gweru Urban constituency.
- Judith Tobaiwa, current Kwekwe MP, who will seek re-election for her seat.
- Lloyd Mukapiko, current Redcliff MP, who was also endorsed by his constituency.
- Ephraim Ndlovu, lawyer and human rights activist, who will contest for Silobela constituency.
The party spokesperson, Fadzayi Mahere, said the party had conducted a transparent and democratic nomination process that involved various stakeholders. She said the party had also resolved to have a re-run in areas where violence was recorded during the nomination process and to disqualify anyone who participated in violence.
The CCC candidate list has received mixed reactions from the public. Some have praised the party for fielding young and competent candidates who can bring fresh ideas and energy to the political arena. Others have criticised the party for lacking diversity and inclusivity, especially in terms of gender and regional representation.
The CCC is one of the main opposition parties in Zimbabwe that emerged after a split from the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in 2018. The party has been campaigning on a platform of economic revival, social justice and constitutional reform.
The CCC will face a tough battle against the incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his ZANU-PF party, which has been accused of rigging previous elections and cracking down on dissent. Zimbabwe is facing a deep economic crisis, with soaring inflation, unemployment and poverty.
The elections are expected to be closely monitored by local and international observers, who have urged all parties to respect the electoral laws and ensure a free and fair vote.
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