Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) contemplates Parliament withdrawal in protest against “sham” by-elections
In the wake of what they term as “sham” by-elections held on December 9, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) is considering withdrawing its participation from Parliament as an act of protest.
The CCC, led by Nelson Chamisa, is currently consulting its supporters to determine the best course of action following the exclusion of their candidates from the by-elections. These by-elections were organized after Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-proclaimed interim secretary-general, recalled over a dozen CCC Members of Parliament who were elected in the August 23 and 24 harmonized elections.
Out of the nine contested seats, Zanu PF secured victory in seven seats that were previously under the control of the CCC. CCC spokesperson, Promise Mkwananzi, expressed the party’s discontent with the by-elections, stating that the party’s highest decision-making body, the citizens’ national assembly, has resolved to reject the illegitimate conduct and outcome of the December 9 by-elections. Mkwananzi further added that the assembly intends to seek the nullification of the by-elections through appropriate channels.
Moreover, the citizens’ national assembly has decided to consult with the party’s supporters regarding the CCC’s continued participation in Parliament and local authorities.
The party plans to unveil new processes that will complement the existing parliamentary procedures. Activities will be organized in constituencies where voters were denied the opportunity to vote for their preferred CCC candidates. These activities aim to assert the citizens’ right to vote and demand the reinstatement of their elected Members of Parliament. They will also highlight the people’s right to stand as candidates in future by-elections.
CCC lawyer and Hatcliffe legislator, Agency Gumbo, emphasized that the party will not abandon legal avenues in the pursuit of resolving the ongoing issues surrounding the alleged manipulation of the people’s will and the restoration of democracy. Gumbo expressed the party’s faith in the courts as guardians of the constitution and stressed their commitment to pursuing legal remedies. However, the CCC has raised concerns about the impartiality of the judiciary in handling their cases and has expressed reservations regarding the influence of the executive branch on the judicial process.
In a related development, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has officially published the names of the legislators who emerged victorious in the December 9 by-elections. Meanwhile, another set of by-elections is scheduled to take place on February 3, further intensifying the political landscape in the country.
As the CCC deliberates its future course of action, the outcome of their consultations will likely shape the party’s stance in Parliament and local authorities. The party’s determination to pursue legal avenues amidst concerns about the judiciary reflects their commitment to upholding constitutionalism and seeking justice. The upcoming by-elections will undoubtedly serve as a critical juncture for the CCC and other political players in Zimbabwe, testing the resilience of the democratic process and the will of the citizens.
