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Paidamoyo Mutsvairo
The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), formerly Movement for Democratic Change-Alliance (MDC-A), was formed in 2022, with a new name and logo, but same set of principles, values and beliefs.
That party is known as home to political violence as witnessed by a number of violent incidents, including the recent violent attacks in Mbire Constituency, Masvingo, Mashonaland West, Marondera and Chirumhanzu as well as the June 2022 protests.
As an offshoot of the MDC-A, unleashing violence has become the CCC trademark which is entrenched in its DNA.
CCC seems to have inherited the bad spirit of unleashing violence from MDC-A.
Although the CCC had been denying any involvement in these incidents, while unreasonably accusing Government of using violence to suppress dissent, the party has been violent even during the days of the late former MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai.
In CCC, history of political violence has been repeating itself.
The CCC has been accompanied by an increase in violence since it broke away from MDC-Alliance. This suggests that the party’s rhetoric and ideology may be contributing to the violence.
The violence that has been associated with that party is a cause for concern, as the country heads towards the 2023 elections, scheduled for August23.
As it stands, a wave of attacks on Zanu PF supporters have been widely reported countrywide.
For instance, four CCC activists fatally attacked and left for dead a Zanu PF Chasunga District Secretary for Security in Mbire constituency, Anyway Chiukise, on June 4.
These hoodlums are on the run after brutally assaulting Chiukise for refusing to chant CCC slogans.
Also, CCC aspiring MP for Chirumanzu South constituency, Patrick Cheza and five party supporters were recently arrested over violence.
On June 13, Voice of America (VOA) carried a report which revealed that 39 CCC activists were charged with political violence over demolishing of Zanu PF party offices in Nyatsime, Chitungwiza.
The activists destroyed several houses and also assaulted members of the Nyatsime community. They caused massive destruction to property and inflicted serious injuries on them.
After failing to lure voters, especially in rural areas, through its Mugwazo programme, CCC is now resorting to intimidation of voters.
It is targeting Zanu PF key supporters and opinion leaders in rural communities.
Down the memory lane, in January 2021, then MDC-A called for a nationwide protest against the Government’s decision to increase fuel prices.
The protests quickly turned violent, with protesters looting shops and burning cars.
As such, CCC has proved that it does not have any concrete measures or steps to address the issue of violence.
Failure by CCC leadership to caution its supporters on the dangers of political violence undermines its so-called “democratic” identifications and makes it difficult for it to, among other issues, win the forthcoming elections or achieve its goals, if any.
In the June 2022 protests, the CCC called for a nationwide protest against the government’s announcement of a new 2 percent tax on electronic transactions.
The protests were also met with violence which left hundreds of people injured. Like always, the CCC denied any involvement in the violence that occurred during these protests.
Thus, Chamisa has a responsibility to ensure that his supporters do not engage in violence. That party should condemn all violence, regardless of who is responsible.
The CCC should also work to build a culture of peace and tolerance within its ranks.
Also, as the harmonised elections approach, political parties should be discouraged against inciting public violence as it is a chargeable offence.
Thus, contravening of Section 187(1)(a) as read with section 37(1)(a)(i) of the Criminal Law [Codification and Reform] Act, Chapter 9:23, “incitement to participate in public violence’ is a chargeable offence.
The penalty of the offence is 10 years in jail, if convicted.
While the Government has a responsibility to ensure that people are not subjected to any form of violence, political parties should subsequently preach the gospel of peace.
It should be known that political violence undermines democracy by creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation that discourages people from participating in the political process.
It can also lead to the breakdown of law and order, which makes it difficult for the Government to function effectively.
Moreover, political violence creates an environment of instability and conflict that could make it difficult to address other important issues, such as economic development and social welfare.
By engaging in violent protests, CCC had been making efforts to paint a black picture on the Second Republic’s image and reputation under the watch of the international community as well as undermining its engagement and re-engagement policy.
As such, the Government, through security forces should be encouraged to continue monitoring all activities by political parties and bring those found wanting to justice.
Moreover, it is important for all parties to unite and speak with one voice to address the issue of political violence.
Thus, political parties, the Government, and all local people should have a role to play in creating a more peaceful Zimbabwe.
Peaceful voting is a powerful tool that everyone should utilise. It is a fundamental right that enables individuals to express their opinions and participate in the democratic process.
The impact of peaceful voting on society is significant, as it promotes social cohesion, tolerance, and understanding.
While delivering his 2023 Independence Day Speech in Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central province, President Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans to desist from any form of violence, before, during and after the forthcoming elections.
The President also stressed that the Government had put measures in place to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
It is more pleasing that the Judicial Services Commission appointed 35 High Court Judges and 76 Magistrates across the country to arbitrate in electoral disputes and ensure rapid trial for political violence over the next six months.
Such a move would help to minimise political violence ahead of the August elections, as disputes will now be solved in a peaceful manner.
It is important for political party leaders to educate their supporters about the dangers of violence.
They should also educate their members on the electoral process so they are able to understand.
In this way we will not have a situation whereby people demand results before the time of announcement or allege rigging without proper understanding of the electoral process.
The nation should also play a role in ending political violence. People should heed President Mnangagwa’s call for a peaceful election.
Online Reporter