CCC joins legal battle over recalled legislators’ candidacy
The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has entered the fray of court proceedings in a case where Sengezo Tshabangu is seeking the removal of its legislators from contesting in the upcoming by-elections under the party’s banner.
Tshabangu, who claims to be the CCC interim secretary-general, recalled 15 Members of Parliament (MPs) in October, citing their alleged departure from the party. In response, the recalled lawmakers filed an urgent chamber application, which was subsequently dismissed by the High Court. The court ruled that they failed to provide sufficient evidence of their continued membership in the CCC and noted that their failure to include the CCC as a respondent was fatal to their case.
Following this ruling, the recalled legislators filed an appeal, but it was struck off the roll by the Supreme Court due to incorrect filing procedures.
Meanwhile, Tshabangu filed another application arguing that the recalled legislators should not have been allowed to submit their nomination papers for the by-election under the CCC. The hearing for this matter was initially scheduled for Tuesday but was postponed to the following day (today) after the CCC sought to join the proceedings.
“The reason why this matter was not heard is because there is a party that also calls itself CCC which had asked for a joinder and was officially joined through a court order and will now be respondent number 25.
“The bone of contention is the issue of double candidates. There are candidates who were expelled by the party who then went back to Zec and filed papers in the name of CCC,” said Nqobani Sithole representing Tshabangu.
The CCC’s involvement in the case adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious legal battle. As the proceedings unfold, the outcome will have significant implications for the by-elections and the future political landscape in Zimbabwe.
