Staff Reporter
The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has come under scrutiny for condemning the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for declaring ZANU PF the uncontested winner of five council seats after its candidates lost a court case in which that party secretary general, Sengezo Tshabangu sought to have them barred from contesting as they had been recalled.
The seats fell vacant after Tshabangu recalled them in 2023 on the grounds that they were no longer members of the party. The seats are in Chiredzi, Harare City Council and Manyame Rural District Council.
Critics argue that CCC leader, Nelson Chamisa's approach, as expressed in the recent statement, appears to be misdirected, with analysts emphasizing the importance of following legal processes diligently.
Political analyst, Tinotenda Majoma from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) questioned the rationale behind Chamisa's ire directed at ZEC.
Majoma pointed out that only higher court verdicts pose the authority to override or suspend such decisions and suggested that the CCC's condemnation of ZEC's actions may stem from a misunderstanding of legal processes.
“I am astonished by how Chamisa thinks. How can he attack ZEC for nullifying the five council seats in Chiredzi, Harare, and Manyame? Only higher court verdicts pose the authority to override or suspend such decisions. Thus, the condemnation of ZEC's actions by the CCC seems to be based on a misunderstanding of legal processes,” remarked Majoma.
Dr. Mirriam Makamba, a political analyst from Bindura Science and Technology University (BUSE), echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that Chamisa should have lodged his complaint with the Supreme Court before resorting to a press statement.
“Chamisa is an advocate, and I do not know why he is bursting out in a press statement. He should be advising his party to follow the legal route in the face of disgruntlement. Chamisa has not yet lodged an appeal to the Supreme Court challenging the High Court's decision. Before criticising the electoral commission, it is essential for the CCC and Chamisa to follow due process and exhaust all legal avenues available to them,” urged Dr. Makamba.
The recent High Court ruling expunged the names of CCC Chamisa candidates who challenged their disqualification to contest in the upcoming by-elections slated for February 3, 2024.
As the CCC grapples with these legal challenges, analysts stress the importance of adhering to established legal procedures and urge Chamisa, as a political leader, to set an example by respecting and engaging with the legal system appropriately.
