Prominent Zimbabwean opposition leader Tendai Biti is preparing to launch a new political party, signaling growing fragmentation within the country’s opposition ranks.
Sources close to the development confirm that Biti will formally transform his pressure group, the Forum for Constitutional Protection (FCP), into a political party — a move seen as distancing himself from Nelson Chamisa’s anticipated new political outfit.
“Biti has been mobilising at grassroots level for months. He believes the opposition needs a strategic shift, and his team is already laying the groundwork,” said a source who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Biti, a former Finance Minister and one-time MDC Secretary General, is said to be aligning with allies such as exiled youth leader Obey Sithole and Obert Gomba. The name of the new party remains under wraps, but insiders say a formal announcement is imminent.
The development is a blow to Chamisa’s efforts to consolidate opposition support following his departure from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
Political analyst Rejoice Mwenje said the move reflects growing discord in the opposition.
“This deepens the fragmentation. Without unity, the opposition risks splitting the vote which will likely benefit ZANU-PF,” she said.
Fueling speculation, political commentator Zviko Juma recently tweeted,“Tendai Biti is set to transform his Forum for Constitutional Protection (FCP) pressure group into a full political party, with a new team mobilising grassroots across Zimbabwe.”
