A ZANU PF candidate running in the upcoming July 26 by-election in Chikomba Ward 10 has lodged a formal concern with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), alleging that his independent opponent is confusing voters by using Nelson Chamisa’s image on election materials.
Tafadzwa Mukandi, representing ZANU PF, raised the issue at a multi-party liaison committee meeting held on Tuesday.
He accused independent candidate Tawanda Muchenje of exploiting public sentiment by featuring both Chamisa and the late CCC councillor Amos Reza—whose recent death in a motorcycle crash triggered the by-election—on his campaign posters.
Mukandi argued that Muchenje’s campaign visuals might mislead voters into assuming he is endorsed by Chamisa or affiliated with the CCC, despite running as an independent. “If he is truly independent, why is he using images of well-known opposition figures?” Mukandi questioned.
This practice of using Chamisa’s image is not new. Since Sengezo Tshabangu took control of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) in 2023, a number of self-declared independents aligned with Chamisa’s politics have used his likeness on their campaign material, despite Chamisa’s departure from the party. Ironically, even Tshabangu’s CCC faction has continued to use Chamisa’s image in some of its messaging.
Mukandi pressed ZEC for clarification on what qualifies as an independent candidacy, insisting that campaign materials should only feature the candidates themselves and not figures who could falsely signal party endorsement. “I use the ZANU PF name and branding,” he said. “Independent candidates should not piggyback on the popularity of others.”
However, Tawanda Muchenje defended his campaign, stating that ZEC had not objected to any of his promotional materials. He noted that unless Chamisa or Reza’s family raise a formal complaint, there is no basis for others to challenge his use of the images.
ZEC’s district elections officer for Chikomba, Todd Chibengwa, confirmed that no formal complaint had yet been filed. He added that the commission does not police campaign content, unless it violates specific regulations.
Mukandi is seeking to reclaim the seat after having lost to Reza in the 2023 general elections. He previously held the Ward 10 councillorship after winning the March 2022 by-election.
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