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CCC faction rejects call to postpone 2028 elections
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A faction within the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), led by Jameson Timba, has vehemently opposed a proposal to defer Zimbabwe's 2028 harmonised elections to 2030. The suggestion, made by party chief whip Charles Moyo, who is aligned with a rival faction led by Sengezo Tshabangu, has sparked internal controversy and public criticism.
Moyo advocated for dialogue with ZANU-PF to postpone the elections, citing the need for uninterrupted implementation of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). However, the Timba faction swiftly denounced this "ED2030" proposal as unconstitutional and inconsistent with the party's principles.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Timba-led faction, Darlington Chigumbu, CCC Member of Parliament for Budiriro South and Shadow Cabinet Spokesperson, rejected the postponement outright, reaffirming the faction's commitment to the constitution.
"As Members of Parliament elected by the people and who represent the Alternative, we would like to distance ourselves from the statement allegedly made by Hon. Charles Moyo regarding moving the constitutionally due 2028 elections to 2030," Chigumbu stated.
"We reiterate that we are constitutionalists, and the year 2030 agenda is not part of our policy agenda as a party. As enshrined in Section 2(2) of our Zimbabwean Constitution, the constitution is binding on every person, natural or juristic, including the State and all executive, legislative, and judicial institutions and agencies of government at every level, and must be fulfilled by them."
The "ED2030 agenda," championed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, aims to extend his presidential term by pushing elections from 2028 to 2030. Critics, including opposition factions and some within ZANU-PF, have labeled the initiative a blatant violation of both party and national constitutions.
Chigumbu emphasized the CCC's independence from ZANU-PF decisions, stating:
"As opposition MPs, we have no association with ZANU-PF resolutions and cannot be compelled to ratify them. The only relationship we have with ZANU-PF, in the context of our parliamentary work, is to deliver policies that help grow our beloved country, Zimbabwe."
The Timba faction reiterated its focus on addressing the country's pressing issues, such as food shortages, energy crises, corruption, and the declining state of public services.
"Our country faces numerous challenges, including food shortages, energy crises, moribund health services, climate change, corruption, and other vices," Chigumbu said. "We are fully committed to addressing these challenges - nothing else."
He warned against diverging from constitutional principles, emphasizing that the rule of law must be upheld to achieve sustainable progress.
"A false path will lead us to the very opposite of what we aim to achieve as a nation. It is essential that we uphold the rule of law and approach it with sincerity and earnestness," he added.
The rejection of the election postponement proposal has further highlighted divisions within the CCC and underscored growing resistance to the ED2030 agenda. As the debate intensifies, the Timba faction remains resolute in its stance on constitutionalism and democratic accountability.
Moyo advocated for dialogue with ZANU-PF to postpone the elections, citing the need for uninterrupted implementation of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). However, the Timba faction swiftly denounced this "ED2030" proposal as unconstitutional and inconsistent with the party's principles.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Timba-led faction, Darlington Chigumbu, CCC Member of Parliament for Budiriro South and Shadow Cabinet Spokesperson, rejected the postponement outright, reaffirming the faction's commitment to the constitution.
"As Members of Parliament elected by the people and who represent the Alternative, we would like to distance ourselves from the statement allegedly made by Hon. Charles Moyo regarding moving the constitutionally due 2028 elections to 2030," Chigumbu stated.
"We reiterate that we are constitutionalists, and the year 2030 agenda is not part of our policy agenda as a party. As enshrined in Section 2(2) of our Zimbabwean Constitution, the constitution is binding on every person, natural or juristic, including the State and all executive, legislative, and judicial institutions and agencies of government at every level, and must be fulfilled by them."
The "ED2030 agenda," championed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, aims to extend his presidential term by pushing elections from 2028 to 2030. Critics, including opposition factions and some within ZANU-PF, have labeled the initiative a blatant violation of both party and national constitutions.
"As opposition MPs, we have no association with ZANU-PF resolutions and cannot be compelled to ratify them. The only relationship we have with ZANU-PF, in the context of our parliamentary work, is to deliver policies that help grow our beloved country, Zimbabwe."
The Timba faction reiterated its focus on addressing the country's pressing issues, such as food shortages, energy crises, corruption, and the declining state of public services.
"Our country faces numerous challenges, including food shortages, energy crises, moribund health services, climate change, corruption, and other vices," Chigumbu said. "We are fully committed to addressing these challenges - nothing else."
He warned against diverging from constitutional principles, emphasizing that the rule of law must be upheld to achieve sustainable progress.
"A false path will lead us to the very opposite of what we aim to achieve as a nation. It is essential that we uphold the rule of law and approach it with sincerity and earnestness," he added.
The rejection of the election postponement proposal has further highlighted divisions within the CCC and underscored growing resistance to the ED2030 agenda. As the debate intensifies, the Timba faction remains resolute in its stance on constitutionalism and democratic accountability.
Source - pindula
