The opposition group Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has given candidates it claims were fraudulently registered for national assembly and local government elections under its name 24 hours to withdraw or face legal action.
The party alleges these candidates were planted by FAZ in an attempt to infiltrate CCC structures and lists. However, when that allegedly failed, FAZ then attempted to register the candidates under CCC to create perception of double nominations and disarray within the opposition party.
CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said they objected to these “fraudulent” candidates as soon as they were detected on the nomination papers. However, ZEC has so far not responded to their objections.
The opposition party then issued a 24 hour ultimatum to the candidates they allege are linked to FAZ, giving them a deadline to withdraw their nominations voluntarily or face legal action.
CCC claims this is not the first time ruling party linked groups have attempted to interfere in their nomination process. They accuse ZANU PF of trying to sabotage and undermine them using proxy organizations.
The opposition coalition says it will not be intimidated and is prepared to expose the identities of the “fraudulent candidates” and pursue the matter in court if they do not withdraw within 24 hours. They vow to contest the elections “fair and square” and warn against any election meddling.
“Pursuant to our press briefing on 22 June 2023, we filed objections against double candidates in terms of the procedure provided for under the Electoral Act. We have received no response from ZEC,” Mahere said.
The CCC’s ultimatum is an attempt to pressure the allegedly fraudulent candidates to withdraw before the elections take place.
