Dec 9 set for by-Elections amidst controversy”
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has hastily announced 9 December 2023, as the date for the holding of by-elections to fill the vacant seats following the recall of 14 opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MPs by Sengezo Tshabangu, notwithstanding that the matter is before the courts.
Self-proclaimed CCC interim Secretary-General, Tshabangu recalled 14 MPs from Parliament claiming they had ceased to be members of the party. However, CCC maintains that Tshabangu is not a CCC member and has taken him and the Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda to court for effecting what the party deems are illegal recalls.
Earlier today Mnangagwa gazetted Statutory Instrument 188 of 2023, Proclamation 8 of 2023 to announce the dates for by-elections.
“WHEREAS, in terms of section 129 (k) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the seats of members of Parliament for Beitbridge West, Binga North, Bulawayo South, Cowdray Park, Lobengula- Magwegwe, Lupane East, Mabvuku-Tafara, Mpopoma-Mzilikazi and Nketa have become vacant by reason of ceasing to be members of CCC of Morgan Ncube, Prince Dubeko Sibanda, Nicola Jane Watson, Pashor Raphael Sibanda, Ereck Gono, Bright Moyo Vanya, Febion Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi, Desmond Makaza and Obert Manduna on 9th October, 2023, who were the elected members of Parliament for the respective constituencies.”
“AND WHEREAS it is provided by section 39(2) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13], that after the President has been notified in terms of the said section of vacancies in the membership of Parliament, He shall issue a proclamation ordering a new election to fill the vacancies in the same manner, mutatis mutandis, as is provided in section 38 of the said Act in regard to a general election;
“AND WHEREAS, the Speaker of Parliament notified me on 9th October, 2023 in writing of vacancies for the aforementioned constituencies:
“NOW, THEREFORE, under and by virtue of the powers vested in the President as aforesaid, I do, by this proclamation—
“(a) order new elections for the constituencies of Beitbridge West, Binga North, Bulawayo South, Cowdray Park, Lobengula Magwegwe, Lupane East, Mabvuku Tafara, Mpopoma Mzilikazi and Nketa; and
“(b) fix Tuesday the 7th day of November 2023, as the date on which the nomination court shall sit, commencing at 10 o’clock in the morning…..”
CCC deputy spokesperson, Gift Siziba said the proclamation of by-elections exposes Mnangagwa and Zanu PF’s alleged involvement in the recalls.
“The proclamation for by elections for disputed and fake vacancies created by Zanu PF through proxies has all but shown Mnagangwa’s hand and intention to destroy and decimate the authentic opposition after he was defeated in the just ended election. The Citizens Movement will not accept this,” said Siziba.
The Nomination Court will sit on November 7, 2023
