Nelson Chamisa, former leader of Zimbabwe’s Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), has strongly dismissed recent comments by South African political activist Julius Malema, who urged Zimbabweans in South Africa to return home and influence political change. Chamisa, a prominent opposition figure, argues that participating in Zimbabwe’s elections is futile, given the alleged rampant rigging and pre-determined outcomes.
Chamisa: “Voting in a Rigged System is Futile”
Speaking to South African broadcaster NewzroomAfrika, Chamisa highlighted the challenges faced by Zimbabweans who have fled the country in search of better opportunities. He criticized the idea of asking them to return to a country plagued by economic turmoil, only to participate in what he describes as flawed and manipulated elections.
“Over the past year, many Zimbabweans have left the country in search of greener pastures. To invite them back into a dire situation for elections that are not even legitimate is disingenuous,” Chamisa said. He pointed to past elections, where voters were reportedly unable to cast their ballots due to logistical failures, such as the lack of ballot papers. Chamisa accused the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of incompetence and suggested that business mogul Wicknell Chivayo, an ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, was involved in sabotaging the electoral process.
The opposition leader’s comments come in the wake of rising tensions as Zimbabwe approaches another election cycle. Despite the significant number of Zimbabweans residing in South Africa, the ruling Zanu PF government has yet to amend electoral laws to allow citizens abroad to vote, further fueling frustration and claims of disenfranchisement.
South Africa’s Role in Zimbabwe’s Political Crisis
Chamisa also criticized the South African government for what he perceives as its passive stance on Zimbabwe’s political crisis. He urged South Africa to play a more active role in ensuring free and fair elections in Zimbabwe.
“The South African government needs to assist Zimbabweans in securing proper electoral processes. They should not express solidarity with a dictatorship but rather help us achieve true democracy,” Chamisa stated. He pointed to the ongoing detention of over 100 political activists in Zimbabwe as evidence of the oppressive environment under President Mnangagwa’s regime. Chamisa called for greater support from neighboring countries to address these human rights violations.
As Zimbabwe prepares for upcoming elections, Chamisa’s remarks underscore the deep-seated skepticism within the opposition regarding the credibility of the electoral process. His call for international intervention reflects a broader frustration with the lack of progress toward democratic reforms in Zimbabwe.
The Call for Action and Regional Support
Chamisa’s comments align with growing calls from opposition parties and civil society groups for regional bodies, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), to take a more proactive stance in addressing Zimbabwe’s political and economic challenges. With a significant Zimbabwean diaspora in South Africa and other neighboring countries, the pressure on regional governments to act is mounting.
As the political climate in Zimbabwe remains tense, the international community’s response to these calls for support could play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future.
Source: New Zimbabwe
