Chamisa Says He Won “Twice” as Social Media Splits Over Faith, Facts and General Chiwenga

Story By Staff Reporter

Nelson Chamisa has revived his claim that he won Zimbabwe’s presidential elections in both 2018 and 2023, drawing a sharp and divided response online.

“We won, not once, but twice”

In a social media post carrying the hashtag #Godisinit, Chamisa wrote: “WE WON, not ONCE, but TWICE!!! 2018 and 2023.” He said the victory was “denied and delayed by those who believe they have power over processes,” who he claimed “manipulated everything and everyone.”

He acknowledged that people may blame him and that, “with time, they may forget what happened.” But he framed the matter as one of faith. “God never forgets His promises,” he wrote, adding that what God has ordained “cannot be overturned by human opposition” and that “His WORD will stand.” He closed by thanking supporters for their encouragement.

Official results declared Emmerson Mnangagwa the winner in both elections, and Chamisa has long disputed them.

“Let the evidence speak twice”

Some respondents objected to the religious framing. One wrote: “God’s name is not a political certificate of authenticity. If you won twice, let the evidence speak twice.” Another said: “Faith is admirable but it should never become a substitute for facts.” A third dismissed the post bluntly: “Still hallucinating.”

“We are now going with General Chiwenga”

Others used the post to look toward the ruling party’s own divisions. One commenter wrote: “We are now going with General Chiwenga,” a reference to Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, who recently suggested at the Zanu PF conference in Chinhoyi that the party was repeating Mugabe-era mistakes.

Another challenged Chamisa’s description of the problem: “The problem is not that they believe they have power over the process, the reality is that they have the power and control the institutions that determine the outcome.” The same commenter added that “winning the hearts of the people and winning an election are two different things when the system itself is being questioned.”

“A practical path forward”

A longer response argued that claiming past victories is not enough. “Leadership is not just about claiming victory in 2018 and 2023,” it read. “It is about showing people what comes next, providing a clear strategy and turning their hope into action.”

It accepted the role of faith but said “political change also requires organisation, courage, accountability, and action on the ground.” The writer said the people “have waited long enough for more than promises” and “need a practical path forward.” The comment ended with advice for Chamisa: “I think Mr President you have to join General Chiwenga, otherwise you’ll not win this alone.”

The wider picture

The exchange reflects a familiar divide. Supporters see Chamisa’s message as steadfast conviction. Critics, including some sympathetic to change, want evidence, organisation and a concrete plan. It also comes as Chamisa promises a “New Citizens Movement” that has yet to launch, and as the dispute over the 2030 election date moves through the Constitutional Court.