The recalls of 18 legislators from the CCC (Country’s Coalition of Change) remain in effect until the High Court reaches a decision on the opposition’s challenge regarding the legitimacy of Mr. Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-imposed interim secretary-general, to recall Members of Parliament.
The opposition has raised concerns about Tshabangu’s authority to initiate such recalls.
In a recent development, the High Court issued interim relief on Tuesday, barring Mr. Tshabangu from carrying out further recalls until the main matter is resolved. The court is set to hear the case on Monday, which will determine the future course of action.
However, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, stated that the interim relief issued on Tuesday does not affect the recalls of the 18 legislators. According to Mudenda, the notice of recall became effective on November 7, the day Parliament received the letters of recall from Mr. Tshabangu.
Adv Mudenda clarified, saying, “The Court made an interim relief, and the interim order was made after I had made the announcement. The notice of recall is effective from the date of the letter. Paragraph four of the interim relief says the respondent was prohibited from making any further recalls from the sitting of that Court.”
He further added that Parliament will abide by the final decision of the Court.
The recent recalls on Tuesday have brought the total number of CCC legislators and councillors recalled to 42 since last month. Among the MPs recalled are Admore Chivero (Chegutu West), Stephen Chatiza (Goromonzi West), Gift Siziba (Pelandaba), Tapfumaneyi Madzimbamuto (Seke), Oliver Mutasa (Zvimba East), Amos Chibaya (Mkoba North), Emma Muzondiwa (Midlands proportional representative), Machirairwa Mugidho (Masvingo proportional representative), Constance Chihota (Mashonaland East proportional representative), Monica Mukwada (Manicaland proportional representative), Sekai Mungani (Midlands proportional representative), Linnet Mazingaidzo (Harare proportional representative), and Daphne Gutsa (Mashonaland East proportional representative).
In addition to the MPs, five senators have also been recalled. They include Webster Maondera, Jameson Timba, and Vongai Tome from Harare, as well as Editor Matamisa and Ralph Magunje from Mashonaland West.
The High Court’s final determination on Monday will serve as a guide for the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Senate President, Ms. Mabel Chinomona, in their decision-making process regarding the recalls. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the CCC’s political landscape and the future of the recalled legislators.
