Chamisa has a solid plan

Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa of the Citizens' Coalition for Change (CCC) has revitalized the dwindling hopes of millions of Zimbabweans who had lost faith in the prospect of a change in government following the contested 2023 presidential election results.

In the presidential polls, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) declared President Emmerson Mnangagwa the winner with 52.6%, while Chamisa received 44%, a result that Chamisa contested.

A report by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Election Observer Mission, led by former Zambian vice president Nevers Mumba, described the recent elections as chaotic and lacking in credibility, fairness, and freedom.

The Mumba mission asserted that the election outcome did not adhere to Zimbabwe's constitution, electoral laws, or the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.

Behind the scenes, SADC is reportedly deeply involved in addressing the post-election crisis in Zimbabwe through diplomatic efforts, as the crisis has divided both the nation and the region, drawing international attention.

Chamisa, in a post on X formerly Twitter, suggested that CCC was making diplomatic progress and had temporarily set aside a court challenge in favor of pursuing change through negotiations.

"A new hope for Zimbabwe…Fellow citizens, your victory cannot be denied or delayed. It is sealed and guaranteed. The season of the new is upon us. Zimbabwe shall be known as a blessed nation with a delightful and great people! #Godisinit Joel 2:12-29 Blessed Sabbath," Chamisa posted on Saturday.

He emphasized that CCC would assert its own terms and conditions for the talks aimed at resolving the political deadlock resulting from the disputed election results.

"When you know the full script, you don't panic! It will all end in unprecedented joy and celebration! We have a solid plan, not on their terms but on our terms! And they know it!" he stated.

Many Zimbabweans are weary and eager for a change of leadership after enduring years of unchecked corruption by Zanu-PF, which escalated significantly following the bloodless coup in 2017 that brought Mnangagwa to power.

Reports in the media suggest that there are clandestine consultations and lobbying efforts taking place to convene the troika of the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation before an extraordinary summit of heads of state to address the Zimbabwe crisis.

The SADC troika comprises Namibia, Zambia, and Tanzania, with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema serving as the chair. The troika of the summit includes the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Angola, the current chair, and Zimbabwe, the incoming chair.

A diplomatic standoff has emerged between Zambia and Zimbabwe, with threats from Zambia to arrest certain senior Zanu-PF officials upon their arrival in Zambian territory.