Movement for Democratic Change and the Rise of Nelson Chamisa

Abstract

Nelson Chamisa is central to the political terrain of contemporary Zimbabwe. Post the soft coup of November 2017 and the death of Morgan Tsvangirai in early 2018, Chamisa became president of the Movement for Democratic Change party and contested the July 2018 presidential election. The tempo of changes in the Movement for Democratic Change presidency is not related directly to the shift from Mugabe to Mnangagwa. However, broader politics formed an important context for Chamisa’s contested claim for the Movement for Democratic Change presidency. In examining Chamisa and the Movement for Democratic Change, the article highlights linkages between personality politics and electoral mobilization, and how this relates to political party institutionalization.

The Anti-Authoritarian Populisms: Ideologies of Democratic Struggle in Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Worldwide

“…So do some commentators (Hofisi 2019;Melusi 2018). However, they do so principally in pejorative reference to his mode of intra-party politicking and his evangelicalism (Mwonzora and Hodzi 2021). Relatedly, some have questioned Chamisa's commitment to democratic procedures, especially within the CCC.…”

‘#GodIsInIt’: The Appropriation of Christianity into Politics by Nelson Chamisa in the 2018 Zimbabwean Presidential Election Contestations

“…In tandem was the 'Generational Consensus' campaign, which the MDC-A utilised. The campaign advocated for enhanced youth political participation in Zimbabwean political processes, including party leadership and electoral voting (Mwonzora and Hodzi, 2021).…”

“…The elections were crucial as they offered a chance to cure the coup’s legitimacy malaise and the president’s pledge to promote democracy (Chikwawawa, 2019). For Nelson Chamisa of the Movement for Democratic Change–Alliance (MDC-A), the election was to serve as a platform on which to endorse and legitimise his leadership since his rise to the presidency within the party was marred with controversy (Mwonzora and Hodzi, 2021). The authors further state that the election was an opportunity to market his political brand nationally, beyond the party.…”