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Foreign funded NGO questions Tshabangu's motive
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The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has expressed concerns over the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)'s support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa's bid for a third term, questioning the motivations behind such a move.
As a key stakeholder in the country's electoral processes, ZESN highlighted that deferring Zimbabwe's elections from 2028 to 2030 could have far-reaching implications for the nation's democratisation, governance, and electoral integrity.
The statement, issued on Monday, follows controversial remarks made by self-styled CCC Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu. Tshabangu declared that the opposition was prepared to support the deferment of elections for Mnangagwa, following a visit to Mnangagwa's Precabe Farm, where opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) were reportedly given US$5,000 each.
"If our presence here improves your stay in power and makes the people of Zimbabwe happy, then let it be," Tshabangu said, accompanied by approximately 32 members of his CCC faction.
ZESN emphasized the importance of respecting the Zimbabwean constitution and reaffirmed Mnangagwa's stance against any illegal third term.
Some members of Zanu-PF are seeking constitutional amendments to extend Mnangagwa's term until 2030, a move that has raised concerns among analysts and citizens alike.
"As the debate surrounding the postponement intensifies among political analysts, citizens, and election observers, concerning developments are emerging. Some segments of the opposition have begun to align with the ruling party in advocating for an extension, raising questions about the motivations behind such a shift and its impact on democratic processes," ZESN stated.
ZESN commended President Mnangagwa for his commitment to upholding the Constitution, pointing to his earlier declarations in 2024 distancing himself from the push for election postponement, stating that he had "no interest in extending his term beyond 2028." This commitment reflects his adherence to democratic norms, ZESN said.
The proposal to postpone the 2028 elections, largely supported by certain politicians, raises concerns about setting a dangerous precedent in a region that has generally maintained relative peace. Such a move, according to ZESN, could violate the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, of which Zimbabwe is a signatory.
ZESN called for increased political will toward meaningful electoral reforms and the implementation of Election Observer Missions' (EOMs) recommendations to ensure a fair and democratic electoral process.
As a key stakeholder in the country's electoral processes, ZESN highlighted that deferring Zimbabwe's elections from 2028 to 2030 could have far-reaching implications for the nation's democratisation, governance, and electoral integrity.
The statement, issued on Monday, follows controversial remarks made by self-styled CCC Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu. Tshabangu declared that the opposition was prepared to support the deferment of elections for Mnangagwa, following a visit to Mnangagwa's Precabe Farm, where opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) were reportedly given US$5,000 each.
"If our presence here improves your stay in power and makes the people of Zimbabwe happy, then let it be," Tshabangu said, accompanied by approximately 32 members of his CCC faction.
ZESN emphasized the importance of respecting the Zimbabwean constitution and reaffirmed Mnangagwa's stance against any illegal third term.
Some members of Zanu-PF are seeking constitutional amendments to extend Mnangagwa's term until 2030, a move that has raised concerns among analysts and citizens alike.
"As the debate surrounding the postponement intensifies among political analysts, citizens, and election observers, concerning developments are emerging. Some segments of the opposition have begun to align with the ruling party in advocating for an extension, raising questions about the motivations behind such a shift and its impact on democratic processes," ZESN stated.
ZESN commended President Mnangagwa for his commitment to upholding the Constitution, pointing to his earlier declarations in 2024 distancing himself from the push for election postponement, stating that he had "no interest in extending his term beyond 2028." This commitment reflects his adherence to democratic norms, ZESN said.
The proposal to postpone the 2028 elections, largely supported by certain politicians, raises concerns about setting a dangerous precedent in a region that has generally maintained relative peace. Such a move, according to ZESN, could violate the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, of which Zimbabwe is a signatory.
ZESN called for increased political will toward meaningful electoral reforms and the implementation of Election Observer Missions' (EOMs) recommendations to ensure a fair and democratic electoral process.
Source - NewZimbabwe
