Chamisa Faces Challenge as Court Rules Against CCC
In a blow to the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Zimbabwe’s High Court has ruled that its legislators can potentially be recalled by anyone. The judgment, delivered yesterday, dismissed an appeal by 14 CCC MPs seeking to prevent their recall by Sengezo Tshabangu.
Tshabangu, who claims to be the CCC’s interim secretary general, recalled the MPs and councillors from Matabeleland soon after the August elections. However, CCC insisted he was not a member and had no authority. In court, the MPs argued Tshabangu fraudulently held himself out as an official, but Justice Mutevedzi ruled they failed to prove this.
The judge said the CCC did not provide their constitution or documents showing Tshabangu was not a member. This sets a concerning precedent, as anyone could potentially recall the party’s representatives. It’s a major blow to Nelson Chamisa’s control over the CCC, which he only formed last year after he lost the MDC Alliance in a similar court case.
CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwanazi called the judiciary “captured,” while lawyers said the party can appeal. But time is running short, as the nomination court opens Tuesday for by-elections to fill the vacant seats.
With tensions rising and technical challenges threatening its existence, the CCC must act quickly to resolve its leadership issues to withstand attacks from ZANU-PF allies in the coming months. The future of Zimbabwe’s democracy may hinge on Chamisa’s ability to maintain control over the main opposition force.
