HARARE – The leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Nelson Chamisa, has declared that his party will boycott the upcoming by-elections in December 2023, calling them a “Muppet Show.“
The by-elections are set to fill 14 National Assembly vacancies and 17 local authority seats, and Chamisa’s stance on this issue has the potential to create divisions within the CCC.
The CCC, formerly known as the MDC Alliance, has been mired in internal disputes, particularly surrounding the recall of some of its representatives.
Sengezo Tshabangu, who claims to be the party’s interim secretary general, has been at the centre of these controversies, a position vehemently rejected by Chamisa.
Tshabangu has been accused of hijacking the party, and he recently wrote to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission asserting that only he and two others have the authority to approve CCC candidates for the by-elections scheduled for December 9.
When asked whether the recalled MPs and councillors would participate in the elections, Chamisa explained, “We’re not interested in side shows, the main show is the issue of having a proper government, a proper election, a legitimate government in Zimbabwe. All these things are side shows.”
He further stated, “As you look at us, do we look like characters that would participate in a Muppet Show? We should not waste time on unconstitutional acts; on criminal acts. We don’t participate in crime.”
Chamisa emphasized that his party would not engage in the by-elections due to the “criminal” and “unconstitutional” nature of the recalls, which he views as being orchestrated without proper legal basis.
The recalled MPs and councillors are challenging the legality of the recall process, and their case is scheduled to be heard in the High Court on November 2.
Chamisa also criticized the ruling Zanu PF party for selectively recognizing Tshabangu‘s recalls while being aware that he was not acting on behalf of the CCC.
He alleged that this was a dishonest and malicious approach.
Sengezo Tshabangu recalled 14 MPs, nine senators, and 17 councillors just over a month after they were sworn in following the elections on August 23.
His ability to assert control over the CCC has highlighted the lack of clear structures and a known constitution within the party.
The by-elections in Zimbabwe have now taken on added complexity, with the CCC’s boycott and the ongoing disputes surrounding its leadership and legitimacy.
The political landscape in the country remains contentious, with these developments raising questions about the electoral process and the fate of those recalls.