News / National
Chamisa says CCC candidates to boycott December 9 by-elections
25 Oct 2023 at 14:34hrs | Views
Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has labeled the upcoming by-elections, which aim to fill 14 National Assembly vacancies and 17 local authority seats, as a farcical "Muppet Show." He announced in an interview released on Wednesday that his party intends to boycott these elections.
Chamisa's stance might create friction with some of his party's representatives who were controversially removed from their positions by an individual claiming to be the party's interim secretary general. This person, Sengezo Tshabangu, was dismissed as an imposter by Chamisa but has effectively taken control of the party. This week, Tshabangu wrote to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, asserting that only he and two others have the authority to approve CCC candidates for the by-elections scheduled for December 9.
When asked whether the recalled MPs and councillors would participate in the election, Chamisa stated, "We have no interest in engaging in sideshows; the primary focus should be on establishing a legitimate government and conducting proper elections in Zimbabwe. All these other activities are distractions. Do we appear to be individuals who would take part in a circus-like 'Muppet Show'? We should not waste time on unconstitutional and criminal actions. We do not engage in unlawful activities. It would be a different situation if this scenario had arisen through a lawful process. However, one cannot unlawfully create an imposter, a fraudster, or a fake recall that has no association with the CCC."
The recalled MPs and councillors are challenging the legality of the removal process, with a hearing scheduled at the High Court on November 2.
Chamisa accused Zanu-PF of selectively endorsing Tshabangu's recalls, despite being fully aware that he was not affiliated with the CCC. "Everyone is well aware of what CCC stands for, yet they opt to act dishonestly, with deceit, and malicious intent," he commented.
Tshabangu removed 14 MPs, nine senators, and 17 councillors a little over a month after their swearing-in following the elections on August 23. Tshabangu seemed to exploit the CCC's lack of organizational structure and a recognized constitution to assert himself as the interim secretary general.
Chamisa's stance might create friction with some of his party's representatives who were controversially removed from their positions by an individual claiming to be the party's interim secretary general. This person, Sengezo Tshabangu, was dismissed as an imposter by Chamisa but has effectively taken control of the party. This week, Tshabangu wrote to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, asserting that only he and two others have the authority to approve CCC candidates for the by-elections scheduled for December 9.
When asked whether the recalled MPs and councillors would participate in the election, Chamisa stated, "We have no interest in engaging in sideshows; the primary focus should be on establishing a legitimate government and conducting proper elections in Zimbabwe. All these other activities are distractions. Do we appear to be individuals who would take part in a circus-like 'Muppet Show'? We should not waste time on unconstitutional and criminal actions. We do not engage in unlawful activities. It would be a different situation if this scenario had arisen through a lawful process. However, one cannot unlawfully create an imposter, a fraudster, or a fake recall that has no association with the CCC."
Chamisa accused Zanu-PF of selectively endorsing Tshabangu's recalls, despite being fully aware that he was not affiliated with the CCC. "Everyone is well aware of what CCC stands for, yet they opt to act dishonestly, with deceit, and malicious intent," he commented.
Tshabangu removed 14 MPs, nine senators, and 17 councillors a little over a month after their swearing-in following the elections on August 23. Tshabangu seemed to exploit the CCC's lack of organizational structure and a recognized constitution to assert himself as the interim secretary general.
Source - online
