Chamisa’s image has become the centre of controversy in Chikomba Ward 10 as the July 26 by-election approaches. ZANU PF candidate Tafadzwa Mukandi has lodged a complaint with ZEC, accusing independent candidate Tawanda Muchenje of deceiving voters by featuring Chamisa’s likeness on his campaign materials.
The by-election was triggered by the recent death of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillor Amos Reza, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a tragic motorbike accident. Muchenje, who is contesting as an independent candidate, has rolled out campaign posters featuring Chamisa and the late Reza—an approach Mukandi has slammed as deceptive, claiming it falsely suggests CCC endorsement.
Raising the issue at a multi-party liaison committee meeting chaired by ZEC officials in Chikomba, Mukandi said Muchenje was engaging in political trickery by using imagery of known political personalities while running as an independent. “If he is truly an independent candidate, he should use his own image, not try to ride on the popularity of Chamisa,” Mukandi argued. “This is a clear attempt to confuse voters into thinking he has the backing of CCC or Chamisa, which he does not.”
Mukandi’s concerns highlight broader tensions in Zimbabwean opposition politics, especially in the wake of the 2023 recall crisis that fractured the CCC. Many former CCC members who were recalled by controversial figure Sengezo Tshabangu have since chosen to run as independents—but continue to align themselves with Chamisa’s political identity and vision, despite the lack of formal party endorsement.
Ironically, Tshabangu himself has previously used Chamisa’s image in official CCC communications, despite being widely blamed for dislodging him from the party’s leadership. The ongoing battle over who has the legitimate right to represent CCC’s brand and legacy remains unresolved, creating confusion among both voters and candidates.
Mukandi, who is seeking to reclaim the seat he won in a 2022 by-election but lost to Reza in the 2023 general election, is hoping to capitalize on the fractured state of the opposition to secure victory this time. His campaign has focused on framing himself as a consistent and legitimate contender, while portraying Muchenje’s tactics as manipulative and misleading.
Chamisa’s Image Sparks Controversy in Chikomba By-Election as ZANU PF Cries Foul
In his defense, Muchenje’s campaign manager, Emmanuel Punungwe, dismissed the complaint as political posturing. “There is no rule that says you can’t use imagery or messaging that resonates with voters,” he said. “Our candidate believes in the values that Chamisa represents, and many people in this ward associate with those values. This is about connecting with the community—not about claiming endorsement.”
Punungwe further emphasized that Muchenje’s campaign has been transparent about his independent status and that voters are not being misled. “We are not pretending to be CCC. People know Muchenje is running as an independent, but they also know where his heart lies politically. That’s not deception—it’s clarity,” he added.
ZEC’s district officer in Chikomba, Todd Chibengwa, said the commission had not received a formal written complaint and reiterated that ZEC does not monitor or regulate campaign messaging unless it breaches specific provisions of electoral law. “As it stands, unless a complaint is officially lodged and we find that any laws are being broken, we cannot intervene in what candidates choose to put on their posters,” he said.
Chibengwa further noted that individuals whose images are used in campaign material have the legal right to object, but third-party grievances, such as those raised by Mukandi, may fall outside ZEC’s purview unless tied to clear electoral violations.
The situation reflects a broader strategy among former CCC members, many of whom remain politically loyal to Chamisa despite their technical status as independents. For them, using Chamisa’s image is a way of signaling continuity with the broader democratic movement, even without formal party backing.
As the by-election approaches, political analysts suggest the outcome in Chikomba Ward 10 could serve as a microcosm of national political realignment, especially within the opposition. With CCC still reeling from internal divisions and ZANU PF eager to exploit the chaos, candidates like Muchenje are attempting to carve out space in the shifting political landscape—using whatever tools they can to connect with disillusioned voters.
For now, Chamisa remains a powerful symbol—even outside formal party structures—and his image continues to unsettle ZANU PF candidates, particularly in contested areas like Chikomba, where opposition sentiment remains strong despite recent setbacks.
