Tshabangu group now wants 10-year poll freeze

A faction of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) aligned with self-declared secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu is reportedly backing the proposed extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term and is advocating for the suspension of elections for the next decade.

The move follows Zanu-PF's resolution last month instructing the government to begin the process of extending Mnangagwa's term to 2030, a decision that was approved at the party's 2024 conference. Sources told The Standard that a faction within Zanu-PF, seeking to block Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, plans to use Tshabangu's support in Parliament to suspend elections until 2035.

Allies of Tshabangu described the 2030 term-extension as "already a done deal" and said the country should now prepare for elections under a transitional government in 2035. "Elections have proved that they don't work," a source close to Tshabangu said. Attempts to reach Tshabangu's spokesperson, Nqobizitha Mlilo, for comment were unsuccessful.

The latest Afrobarometer report revealed that the majority of Zimbabweans oppose extending Mnangagwa's term without holding a poll. The report, titled "Keeping the faith: Zimbabweans express support for elections, concern over process", found that 79% of citizens prefer regular, open, and honest elections at all levels, despite mistrust in the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to conduct free and fair polls.

In a related development, the government allocated millions of dollars in September to Tshabangu's faction under the Political Parties Finance Act, even though the rightful beneficiary among the CCC factions remains unresolved in court. Three CCC formations—led by Jameson Timba, Welshman Ncube, and Sengezo Tshabangu—have claimed they did not receive the funds, despite official confirmation of disbursement.

The Timba-led CCC filed for an interdict last year to prevent any allocation of funds to rival factions, arguing that it is the legitimate CCC. The matter remains before the courts.

Justice Ministry secretary Vimbai Nyemba confirmed that funds had been disbursed to both Zanu-PF and CCC, though she could not specify which CCC faction received the money. Mlilo, Tshabangu's spokesperson, denied receiving the funds, while Timba insisted no disbursement could lawfully proceed while legal matters remained unresolved. "The Minister is required by law to give reasons to any party that he would have declined to give its claimed entitlement. That has not happened," Timba said.

Spokesperson for the Ncube-led CCC, Willias Madzimure, said he was unaware of any fund disbursements.

The controversy underscores deep divisions within the opposition and highlights ongoing concerns over the ruling party's push to extend Mnangagwa's tenure amid widespread public support for regular elections.