CCC Rejects Election Moves as Tensions Remain High
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has scheduled December 9th as the date for by-elections in several Matabeleland constituencies that saw Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) members recalled. However, the CCC asserts it will not accept this move, adding to the ongoing political turmoil.
Nomination papers will be accepted on November 7th, despite objections from CCC leader Nelson Chamisa. His party has filed a pending High Court challenge against the recalls. Party spokesman Ostallos Siziba slammed the rushed election proclamation, accusing Mnangagwa of deliberately trying to destroy legitimate opposition after his disputed victory in August.
“The Citizens’ Movement will not accept this!” Siziba declared firmly.
The chaos began when a little-known figure, Sengezo Tshabangu, purported to be the CCC’s interim secretary general. He shockingly recalled several elected CCC members, including 15 MPs. Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda has acknowledged the supposed vacancies.
Bulawayo City Council has also been notified that 12 local CCC councillors are being removed. However, the party maintains Tshabangu has no authority over these decisions.
With legal challenges underway and the CCC rejecting the by-election schedule, Zimbabwe’s political discord shows no signs of resolution. Both sides remain dug in, threatening further instability as they battle over representation of the people.
