Zimbabwe’s opposition party, the Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC), has said the nation will soon conduct another election under the watchful supervision of a transitional authority led by the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The CCC has criticized the August general election, citing reports from regional and international observer missions that denounced the polls as fraudulent.
In a statement, CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi emphasized the need for an independent and professional electoral body to manage the new election. Mkwananzi expressed determination in pursuing a peaceful and democratic approach to ensure the implementation of a fresh and fair election, regardless of President Mnangagwa’s opposition.
Mkwananzi highlighted that the decision to conduct a new election rests with all stakeholders within Zimbabwe and the region, and not solely with President Mnangagwa. The CCC has already rejected the previous election results and called for a transitional authority to oversee the electoral process. They propose the involvement of SADC in facilitating this transition and the establishment of a new election management body, replacing the current Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
“Mnangagwa will be dragged to a fresh, free & fair election kicking & screaming.
“A fresh election is inevitable. Let us use every peaceful & democratic means available & permissible to bring forth the elections.
“A fresh election beyond Mnangagwa’s wishes. The decision to conduct a fresh election in Zimbabwe is not Mr. Mnangagwa’s decision. It is a decision of all stakeholders in Zimbabwe and the region,” CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi wrote on his X handle.
The opposition’s focus is on mobilizing and organizing support towards a fresh election, which they believe is necessary to rectify the flaws in the previous polls. They view the current government as an illegal and illegitimate interim arrangement. CCC leader Nelson Chamisa has been vocal in stating that peaceful means will be employed to ensure a legitimate re-election.
Recent criticism from Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu PF, has been directed towards neighbouring Zambia and its president, Hakainde Hichilema, whom they referred to as a puppet. This came after former Zambia vice president and SADC EOM head, Nevers Mumba, reported flaws in Zimbabwe’s election. SADC has responded to these attacks, expressing concern over the undermining of the bloc’s credibility caused by criticism directed towards election observers.
The situation in Zimbabwe remains tense as the opposition pushes for a fresh election, while the ruling party maintains its stance on the validity of the previous polls. The call for a transitional authority and an independent electoral body reflects the opposition’s desire for a more transparent and credible electoral process in the country.
