CCC crisis continues as Tshabangu challenges nomination of recalled MPs in by-elections

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe – The political landscape in Zimbabwe is witnessing a legal showdown as Sengezo Tshabangu, self-styled secretary-general of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), challenges the acceptance of nomination papers for nearly two dozen former CCC Members of Parliament and councillors.

Tshabangu filed an urgent court application on January 12, arguing that the decision by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to accept their nominations was unlawful.

In the court filing, Tshabangu contends that the 23 individuals, including CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Siziba and Amos Chibaya, ceased to be members of the CCC, which formed the basis for their recalls.

Consequently, he argues, they should be barred from participating in the upcoming by-elections scheduled for February 3.

“The Nomination Court accepted the nomination papers. The decision of the Nomination Court is unlawful in that it is contrary to an extant judgment of the High Court and was at any rate procured through an apparent act of defiance of that judgment,” asserts Tshabangu in the court filing.

He seeks a declaration from the court that the decision to accept the candidatures of the recalled members is unlawful and requests it to be set aside.

Given the urgency of the matter and the proximity of the by-election date, Tshabangu asks for an expedited hearing and determination.

However, the CCC, led by Nelson Chamisa, disputes Tshabangu’s authority, branding him an impostor who has taken advantage of what they term “captured courts.”

While some of the recalled CCC MPs and councillors filed papers as independents during the nomination process, they have not been included in the disputed secretariat’s court action.

The outcome of this legal battle will significantly impact the political landscape, potentially affecting the control of the CCC, including financial aspects governed by the Political Parties (Finance) Act.

Chamisa and the CCC have a separate pending court application challenging Tshabangu’s legitimacy to recall elected officials.

The court is yet to rule on this matter.

If Chamisa loses the application, it could result in Tshabangu gaining control of the party, including government funds allocated to it under the Political Parties (Finance) Act.