Zimbabwe Parliament Punishes CCC Legislators for Boycotting President’s Speech
Tensions arose in Zimbabwe’s parliament this week after CCC opposition lawmakers boycotted President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s state of the nation address. In response, National Assembly speaker Jacob Mudenda, a member of the ruling Zanu PF party, ordered sanctions against the CCC members.
Though CCC MPs travelled to Harare as required, they remained in their hotels in protest of Mnangagwa’s legitimacy as president. CCC argues he manipulated the August 23-24 election to retain power over their leader Nelson Chamisa.
Speaker Mudenda ruled the boycott violated parliamentary procedures. As punishment, he instructed that the CCC legislators not receive travel allowances to return home. Their hotel costs during the boycott would also be deducted from salaries. Further, the government may explore additional penalties under political funding laws.
By sanctioning the CCC lawmakers, the Zanu PF-led parliament aims to discourage disruptions. However, it also intensifies political divisions following Zimbabwe’s disputed electoral outcome. The sanctions risk further straining tensions between the ruling party and opposition.
