CCC urged to refrain from tarnishing reputation, integrity of state institutions

The government has called on the opposition CCC to refrain from tarnishing the reputation and integrity of state institutions by attributing their internal strife, which resulted in the recall of 15 MPs, nine senators, and 17 councillors, to these institutions. The government's stance was made clear following the recent recall triggered by Mr. Sengezo Tshabangu, who claims to be CCC's interim secretary-general. However, CCC later announced that it was temporarily disengaging from parliamentary and council activities. In a statement released on Friday, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, emphasized that CCC's internal power struggles should not be misinterpreted as a national issue. Furthermore, he highlighted that the law doesn't mandate political parties to participate in national processes.

"Government acknowledges statements from certain political entities regarding the recent recalls of Members of Parliament from a particular political party, as per our laws. Unsubstantiated accusations and blatant falsehoods attempting to involve the government and the ruling Zanu PF party in the recall processes lack merit.

"To clarify, and for those unfamiliar with Zimbabwean laws, Section 129 (1) (k) of the Zimbabwe Constitution states that recalls of Members of Parliament are the responsibility of the political party to which the affected member belongs, through a written notice to the Speaker of the National Assembly or President of the Senate, not the government. It is incorrect and deceptive for any political group facing recalls to blame others. No party has a superior mandate over another regarding recall matters."

Professor Murwira underscored that the Speaker of the National Assembly and the President of the Senate are obligated by law to promptly act on communication from political parties concerning recalls and have no discretion in such matters. He further stressed that these officials cannot modify or obstruct any such communication once it has been submitted.

While there is no legal obligation for political parties to have constitutions and structures, the Minister highlighted the importance of these tools to prevent confusion. He said, "If an opposition party that is represented in Parliament chooses, of its own accord, to temporarily or permanently withdraw from legislative processes, it does not create a constitutional crisis. Parties and individuals have the right to decide whether to participate in national processes, as there is no law in Zimbabwe that compels participation."

Political analysts have suggested that CCC's recall of MPs was foreseeable due to the party's controversial candidate selection process before the harmonized elections, which left some senior party members dissatisfied. Notable figures among those left out include former party vice president Mr. Tendai Biti, and former legislators Mr. Kucaca Phulu, Mr. Anele Ndebele, and Mr. Tshabangu himself.

Commenting on the situation, Bulawayo-based political analyst Mr. Methuseli Moyo stated, "A party with no structures, no constitution, no founding principles, can never be stable. Chamisa found his match in Sengezo Tshabangu, who seems to have a clear, unambiguous strategy to bring him to order. The candidate-selection process was opaque, controversial, and unfair. No party can remain united under those circumstances. CCC was always an accident waiting to happen. It has happened. They are now blaming everybody else except their undemocratic leader. Chamisa is solely to blame."

Mr. Moyo suggested that Mr. Chamisa should engage with Mr. Tshabangu to find common ground, as disengagement from Parliament would not resolve the issues between them.

Additionally, Professor Murwira mentioned that the government is reviewing the final report from the SADC Electoral Observation Mission and will provide an official response in due course. He emphasized that the report contains recommendations, which may be accepted or rejected, as it is not a legal instrument but rather a peer-reviewed assessment.