THE Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)’s self-proclaimed interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu has been accused of being a serious threat to democracy after recalling the party’s Members of Parliament and councillors without the party’s consent.
Last week, Tshabangu told NewsDay that the recalled party members will not participate in by-elections scheduled for December 9 this year.
Human rights activist and founder of Project Vote 263, Youngerson Matete said Tshabangu’s actions were a clear attempt to undermine the will of the people and to weaken the CCC.
“What Tshabangu is doing is reversing these gains that were made during the 2023 harmonised elections, the work of all pro-democracy organisations and individuals,” said Matete.
“This has a potential of reversing the work that has been done during the 2013people-driven Constitution as Zanu PF will move to amend the Constitution if it by chance, manages to take away those constituencies.
“Tshabangu is not only a threat to CCC, but to our democracy, freedoms and human rights as a collective people,” Matete said.
He warned that Tshabangu will go ahead with the nomination and CCC ownership will shift from CCC leader Nelson Chamisa to the self-proclaimed interim secretary-general, a development which would be a serious attack on constitutionalism.
Matete called on the CCC party to come out of its shell and provide leadership to the general membership, which is becoming restless over the party’s quiet diplomacy.
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“It’s no longer time of faith without action. CCC leader Nelson Chamisa must now go beyond Bible verses and provide a solid way forward. It’s either he pursues dialogue or confronts the government on the streets. Otherwise, time is running out for him. For us, the general people, … there is no messiah coming our way. We ought to be the change we wish to see,” he said.
The CCC has been criticised for not doing enough to stand up for the rights of its supporters.
Zimbabwe Election Advocacy Trust director Ignatious Sadziwa said the best option for Chamisa was to engage Tshabangu and dialogue as it was the only way to achieve a peaceful resolution and avoid a CCC split.
“Tag along and deal with internal politics. This is political posturing as Tshabangu will do what he deems necessary with CCC MPs anytime. Secondly, he should engage Tshabangu and dialogue and try to find common ground.
“The by-elections motion has already been set unfortunately. Thirdly, total withdrawal from all government institutions: This would be a boldmove, but it is unlikely to be followed by all members of the CCC, leading to a split in the party,” Sadziwa said.
The ruling Zanu PF party is aiming to secure a two-thirds majority in Parliament via the upcoming by-elections, which would give it the power to amend the Constitution.
