In a move that asserted his authority, Tshabangu addressed a letter to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) on the matter. His correspondence stated: "Pursuant to Statutory Instrument 188 of 2023 proclaiming by-elections to be held on 09 December 2023 and fixing 07 November 2023, as the date on which the Nomination Court shall sit, I write in terms of Section 46(1)(c) and (2) of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13) to submit the designated officials of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) who are authorised to countersign the nomination papers of our party’s approved candidates, and these are: Sengezo Tshabangu, Mbuso Siso, and Jabulani Ncube. Accordingly, please find attached herewith the completed mandate form. In this regard, may I also emphasise that no other person or individual is authorised to countersign the nomination papers of any of our party’s approved candidates for the said by-elections."
Political analysts commented that Tshabangu's decisive announcement via his letter to the ZEC emphasises the central role he plays in the nomination processes within the CCC.
Offering insight on the issue, esteemed political commentator Nobleman Runyanga opined, "The glaring absence of structures within the CCC is now emerging as a serious setback, hinting that Nelson Chamisa might no longer have a firm grip over the CCC."
Runyanga continued, emphasising, "What Tshabangu is doing now should have been executed during the August elections. Such an approach would have prevented the confusion that CCC found itself in ahead of the 23 August elections. In some cases, the party fielded two to three candidates in some constituencies like Zengeza West."
In a related development, sources have indicated that recalled CCC legislators are contemplating reaching out to Tshabangu to seek his endorsement for the forthcoming by-elections.
Insider reports suggest that these legislators are not merely seeking Tshabangu's goodwill, but are ready to make a monetary offer to ensure their endorsement.
Meanwhile, although Tshabangu's letter to ZEC clearly spelt out the authorised signatories, it also exposes the internal dynamics and challenges faced by the CCC.
