'SADC will not intervene in Zimbabwe's electoral dispute'

CITIZENS Coalition for Change (CCC) legislator Chalton Hwende has expressed skepticism about the Southern African Development Community's (SADC) intervention in Zimbabwe's disputed 2023 elections. This stance contradicts CCC's former leader Nelson Chamisa, who is urging SADC to address the political deadlock resulting from the contested elections that extended President Emmerson Mnangagwa's mandate.

Chamisa has been actively writing to SADC for intervention, but Hwende, speaking in a public forum, stated that SADC considers the matter closed and is unlikely to take action. He recounted a meeting with SADC's executive secretary, where the issue of Zimbabwe was dismissed, indicating no forthcoming assistance.

Hwende emphasized that Zimbabweans must pressure their government to implement political and electoral reforms, as SADC has no history of enforcing new elections. With SADC preparing for its 44th Head of State summit in Zimbabwe and President Mnangagwa set to assume chairmanship, Hwende believes there is no appetite within SADC to go beyond their report on the elections.

He urged citizens to organize and demand their rights, noting that relying on SADC is futile. He firmly stated that SADC will not force an election in Zimbabwe and that the responsibility lies with the Zimbabwean people.