The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has announced its intention to initiate nationwide protests starting Monday in response to the recall of its Members of Parliament (MPs) and councillors.
The recalls were carried out by Sengezo Tshabangu, who claims to be the interim secretary-general of CCC. Tshabangu cited the MPs and councillors’ alleged departure from the opposition movement as the reason for their recall.
The CCC alleges that Tshabangu is being backed by the ruling party Zanu PF, with the aim of triggering by-elections that would potentially give Zanu PF a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and allow for further amendments to the national Constitution. In the August elections, Zanu PF fell short of securing a two-thirds majority, obtaining 176 seats against CCC’s 103.
CCC’s interim spokesperson, Promise Mkwananzi, stated that the party feels compelled to take to the streets, starting with Bulawayo, where most of their recalled MPs were based. Mkwananzi emphasized that peaceful protests would be the chosen course of action. He urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to engage with the CCC, warning that more substantial protests could follow if their concerns are not addressed.
CCC leader Nelson Chamisa previously wrote to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, demanding the reinstatement of their legislators. Chamisa also announced a partial withdrawal of CCC MPs and councillors from their positions as a form of protest against the recalls. The opposition party has given the government a 14-day ultimatum to reinstate their officials.
The CCC alleges that its members have been unjustly targeted and removed from their positions. They have taken their case to the High Court, seeking to challenge the recalls. The hearing, scheduled for November 2, will address the CCC’s request to reverse Mudenda’s announcement. The court has instructed the respondents to file their opposing affidavit by today, with the applicants required to respond by Monday.
The protests, organized under the banner “Together We Rise,” aim to highlight the broader issue of contested elections and give voice to Zimbabweans across the country who believe their rights have been disregarded. The CCC accuses Zanu PF of engaging in tactics to undermine them, particularly due to their absence from the opening of Parliament. The party has also chosen to protest by disengaging from all parliamentary and council business.
