The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has responded strongly to warnings issued by Acting Foreign Affairs Minister, Amon Murwira, cautioning the opposition party against criticizing the outcome of the August 23 and 24 elections.
Murwira stated that the government would not tolerate any actions that could disturb the peace under the guise of “democratic political processes.”
In response, the CCC, led by Nelson Chamisa, has refused to accept the results of the August elections, alleging that they were rigged in favour of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Gladys Hlatshwayo, the CCC’s Secretary for International Relations, emphasized that the organization is committed to respecting constitutionalism and the rule of law, and would readily congratulate the winners if the election were deemed free, fair, and credible.
Hlatshwayo further argued that the just-ended elections were marred by fundamental flaws and failed to meet domestic, regional, and international standards for democratic elections. She highlighted the assessments of various African election observer missions, which concluded that the election fell short of both domestic and regional standards.
Notably, several observer missions raised concerns about the credibility of the poll, citing various irregularities.
Meanwhile, Chamisa has been looking to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to facilitate an election re-run. However, the final report of the SADC election observer mission, released last week, did not call for fresh polls.
The ongoing dispute between the CCC and the government underscores the deep divisions and differing perspectives surrounding the August election results. With the CCC standing firm in its rejection of the outcome, the political landscape remains tense, and the path towards reconciliation and consensus uncertain.
