The most well-known among them is Evan Mawarire, the #ThisFlag pastor and activist who inspired mass protests in 2016.
As the coalition’s spokesperson, he has been keen to emphasise that the grouping’s goal is to support local action for local change and that it is not a political party.
The political landscape in Zimbabwe has left many citizens feeling frustrated with the choices presented before them.
The main option appears to be between the perennially disappointing ZANU-PF and an uninspiring and untested opposition.
Neither fills most voters with a great deal of hope. Smaller parties and independents could diversify voices in parliament and reduce ZANU-PF’s dominance, but they are unlikely to shift the overall balance of power.
With two months to go before Zimbabwe’s elections then, it is clear that despite some changes at the top, the country is in dire need of a new crop of political leaders who can be accountable to the people rather than slaves to party politics.
Electing some radically different, community-focused individuals could begin the process of rebuilding, improving and decentralising the country’s governance systems. But beyond that, it is incumbent on ordinary Zimbabweans to imagine alternative democratic options and work actively towards creating them.
If politicians and citizens alike are to avoid the Mugabe-era’s mistakes, a radically different approach is necessary.
By Wadzanai Motsi-Khatai for African Arguments
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