Nelson Chamisa, the losing candidate in Zimbabwe’s 2023 presidential election, continues to claim, rather absurdly, that he ‘won’ both the 2018 and 2023 elections against His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa.
Despite resigning from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) in apparent frustration after his second defeat, Chamisa persists in attributing various international and regional opposition successes—such as those in Lesotho, South Africa, Botswana, Mauritius, and even the United States—as somehow signaling an inevitable opposition victory in Zimbabwe.
Chamisa’s narrative is troubling. His supporters continue to entertain the notion that he won the last two elections, ignoring the fact that President Mnangagwa remains Zimbabwe’s Head of State and Government.
This denial has left Chamisa and his followers in a “time warp,” clinging to the notion that a miraculous shift will propel them to power. Recently, Chamisa made similar claims on Botswana television (Btv), reiterating that he ‘won’ both elections. However, he has yet to reconcile these claims with the undeniable fact that he is not Zimbabwe’s president.
This stance portrays Chamisa as a sore loser who is unwilling to concede defeat gracefully, even as he paradoxically accepts CCC’s wins in concurrent council and legislative seats.Chamisa’s fixation on “winds of change” sweeping across the region reflects his strategy of appropriating foreign victories to sustain a hopeful narrative for Zimbabwe’s opposition.
Yet, Zimbabwe’s historical and cultural context is distinct. The nation’s liberation struggle has endowed it with a unique identity, making simplistic comparisons with other countries misguided.
ZANU PF, with deep roots in Zimbabwe’s history, remains a dominant force. Rather than acknowledging the realities of electoral loss, Chamisa continues to deny his defeat, wasting valuable time that could be used to strategize for his future in Zimbabwean politics.
A seasoned politician understands the importance of accepting defeat and recalibrating for future challenges.
If Chamisa truly wishes to remain relevant, he must shift from denial to forward-thinking leadership.
