Opposition outraged as CCC pushes for postponement of 2028 polls

The opposition has reacted with shock and disappointment following reports that the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), which holds seats in Parliament, is endorsing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s controversial bid for a third term by supporting a postponement of the 2028 elections to 2030, effectively overriding Zimbabwe’s constitutional provisions.

Reports indicate that CCC Chief Whip Charles Moyo expressed support for Zanu PF’s resolution to defer elections, arguing it would allow for the implementation of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) under Mnangagwa’s administration, which is expected to launch in November.

He also suggested that the CCC was advocating for dialogue with Zanu PF to solidify this plan.

Adding to the controversy, CCC interim secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu reportedly claimed during a family funeral in Ntabazinduna that his party had reached an agreement with Zanu PF to establish a Government of National Unity (GNU) by 2025.

Tshabangu justified the GNU as a necessary step to address Zimbabwe’s economic challenges.

These revelations have drawn widespread condemnation from other opposition parties, including a faction of the CCC, who view these actions by Tshabangu’s CCC as a betrayal of democratic principles.

The MDC, led by Douglas Mwonzora, firmly rejected any attempts to extend Mnangagwa’s term.

“It is with a heavy heart that the opposition CCC in Parliament has swallowed hook, line, and sinker the 2030 Zanu PF mantra,” said MDC Presidential Spokesperson Lloyd Damba.

He alleged that CCC MPs were coerced into supporting this agenda after it was announced they would visit Mnangagwa’s farm in Kwekwe over the weekend.

“The MDC opposes the Zanu PF and CCC plan to extend the term of office of the current President. Elections must be held within the constitutionally stipulated time frames,” Damba stated, adding that their party leader Mwonzora had predicted last year that the CCC MPs would be compromised for not opposing President Mnangagwa’s desire for a third presidential term.

Damba added that the MDC would mobilise citizens to resist any attempts to undermine the Constitution.

A CCC faction under the leadership of Jameson Timba also condemned the proposal, calling it an “attempt to subvert the Constitution.”

“We are committed to upholding the Zimbabwe Constitution and protecting the rights of the people. Delaying elections only prolongs the suffering of citizens,” the faction said in a statement.

“The current economic, political, and social conditions are unbearable for our citizens, and it is unacceptable to consider delaying elections, which would only prolong their suffering.”

Timba’s group called on Zimbabweans to unite and reject the proposal.

“The Zimbabwe Constitution is clear on the electoral process, and any attempts to alter it are a threat to our democracy. We will not stand idly by while some political players and opportunists try to undermine the Constitution for their own gain,” said the group, claiming it will communicate further measures to fight this unconstitutional move.

“When the time is right, we will take action to ensure that the will of the people is respected.”

ZAPU national spokesperson Richard Gandari also dismissed the CCC’s actions as those of a splintered and compromised entity.

“What we are witnessing now are the phantom spasms of a headless creature. As a splintered entity with neither clear leadership nor an authoritative center of power, we do not respect any pronouncements attributed to any of its factional representatives, including self-appointed Senator Tshabangu,” Gandari said.

Gandari added that it is a tragedy and an indictment on elected opposition officials to allow Zanu PF to establish a de facto one-party state.

“Without checks and balances from a functional democracy, Zimbabwe will continue to sink into economic collapse under the corrupt and inept Zanu PF regime. The people of Zimbabwe who placed their faith in the CCC will continue to suffer and lose hope,” he said.

ZAPU Secretary General Mthulisi Hanana also accused CCC MPs of betraying the people’s mandate.

“What we see displayed now in the Parliament of Zimbabwe is not only disappointing but also a serious betrayal of the aspirations and wishes of the people by those who have bastardized and diverted the electoral outcome of August 2023,” Hanana declared.

Hanana described CCC MPs as “charlatans and power-hungry individuals without a mandate” who have decided to violate constitutional provisions that provide for elections every five years.

“They are doing so in an attempt to cling to power for an extended period. They know very well they should go to elections; particularly these Tshabangu MPs will not be able to renew their mandate with the people,” he said.

“They want an extra two years outside of the people’s mandate on top of the five years they hijacked from legitimate elected officials.”

The ZAPU Secretary General stated that what CCC MPs are doing is blatantly illegal and they too will mobilize against it.

“We will hold them accountable as a collective in Parliament. We will call on citizens in each constituency to individually hold their MPs accountable for their actions in Parliament,” Hanana said.

“It is shameful that instead of defending people’s rights, this current Parliament has chosen self-enrichment and term extensions when it should focus on addressing over-taxation and alleviating citizens’ plight.”

The CCC’s stance has sparked outrage among ordinary citizens, with many accusing the party of abandoning its role as a genuine opposition force.

Social media platforms have been flooded with expressions of “surprise” at what CCC is doing.

“This move is a blatant violation of the Constitution and a blow to democratic processes that Zimbabweans have fought for,” said Emmanuel Sibanda, a resident in Bulawayo.

Sibanda expressed serious concerns about Zimbabwe’s commitment to constitutional governance regarding the 2030 proposal.

“The main question is whether citizens will unite to defend their democratic rights or if these greedy politicians will succeed in reshaping the Constitution to suit their interests.”