In a significant setback for the Nelson Chamisa-led Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), the Supreme Court has struck off the roll their appeal against the recall of its legislators. The recalls were initiated by self-proclaimed CCC interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu, who claimed that the MPs had ceased to be party members.
Justices Susan Mavhangira, Lavender Makoni, and Joseph Musakwa unanimously ruled that the appeal was fatally defective. The lawyer representing Tshabangu, advocate Lewis Uriri, objected to the appeal, arguing that the CCC had failed to notify all parties involved in the High Court judgment after it was consolidated.
The court agreed with Uriri’s contention, emphasizing that all the parties from the previous court should have been cited. “The court is of the view that the appeal is fatally defective. The notices of appeal failed to comply with rule 37(2) of the Supreme Court rules. Consequently, there are no valid appeals before this court. The preliminary issues raised have been upheld,” Justice Musakwa stated.
The appeal was ultimately dismissed, and costs were awarded against the CCC. This ruling deals a significant blow to Chamisa’s party, as it hampers their attempt to challenge the recalls and retain their legislators.
The initial ruling in favour of Tshabangu by High Court judge Justice Munamato Mutevedzi had paved the way for the sitting of the nomination court on November 7 and the proclamation of the by-elections date. Justice Mutevedzi had determined that the CCC members’ application failed to prove that Tshabangu was an imposter.
The outcome of this ruling has far-reaching implications for the CCC as it seeks to navigate the complex terrain of Zimbabwean politics. With the recall of its legislators standing and its appeal dismissed, the party faces an uphill battle in maintaining its influence and pursuing its political agenda.
The CCC, under the leadership of Nelson Chamisa, has been a prominent force in Zimbabwean politics, advocating for change and challenging the ruling ZANU-PF party. However, this recent setback underscores the challenges and legal hurdles the opposition party must overcome in its quest for political power.
As the CCC regroups and evaluates its options, political observers will closely monitor how it responds to this blow from the Supreme Court. The outcome of their subsequent actions and their ability to rally support and adapt to the changing political landscape could shape the future trajectory of the party and the broader political landscape in Zimbabwe.
