Observers urge remaining CCC MPs not to withdraw f...

Observers urge remaining CCC MPs not to withdraw from Parly

Zim Now Writer

Observers have urged the remaining opposition Citizens Coalition for Change legislators not to withdraw from Parliament despite threats from Sengezo Tshabangu to expel more of them.

Tshabangu emerged from the August 23 harmonised general elections claiming to be CCC’s interim secretary-general before he recalled dozens of opposition lawmakers and councillors. He blocked some of them from contesting in the by-elections held last Saturday, allowing the ruling Zanu PF to win seven out of the nine available seats.

There have been calls for the remaining CCC legislators to pull out of the National Assembly in protests against recalls.

Tshabangu, however, has been interdicted from making further recalls by the High Court.

But analysts and observers believe pulling out is not a good idea.

Political analyst Dr Wellington Gadzikwa told Zim Now that the MPs should continue fighting while in the house.

“The CCC must deal with in-house issues and have a proper structure to avoid these shenanigans. What will withdrawing help in this regard because it appears as if the entire infrastructure in the country is not conducive for democratic practice. The question is what next after pulling out? You do not pull out of a war, you keep fighting,” he said.

Pro-democracy activist Emmanuel Gumbo said the idea of withdrawing MPs from Parliament “is just one of lazy thinking”.

“The notion that those remaining in parliament are doing so at the mercy of Tshabangu, is just one of lazy thinking.

“There should be no mistake on the fact that these MPs were voted by Zimbabweans in their respective constituencies, unless the unfortunate happens to them, for the same reason they swore in (despite glaring constitutional crisis), they should serve in that regard.

“Just like the bad taste which comes with recalls, equally withdrawal is a total insult to the electorate.

“For the record, public officials should never be used for political/power transactions.”

Former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi said the electorate would not allow its MPs to leave the Parliament.

“Knowing the trappings of power no matter how limited or minute it is, and how hazardous materially, psychologically, financially, maritally and emotionally to acquire that little power, prestige and status, it's futile to ask opposition Senators, MPs and Councillors to do a mass pull-out even when they are faced with further Recalls. I will be damned if they do," he said.

“Zvakafanana nokungoti tutururu kumba uchiti ndasiya basa usina rimwe.

“Power is not relinquished like that in Zimbabwe where there are limited alternatives, even the people that employed you in the first place, the voters, are very unkind with representation that gives up seats.

“Whilst this suits Zanu PF to proceed with a non-threatening token presence of opposition, we also have not reached that rubicon of principles where people resign en masse.

“So, demand other things from opposition MPs kwete siyai basa, they will further divide the opposition by refusing.”

Kuwadzana East legislator, Chalton Hwende yesterday said there is need for the leadership to sit down and map the way forward.

“I have taken note of the messages sent to my inbox and calls that I have received. The general message is that I must withdraw from this public conversation going on. I accept wise counsel and I am withdrawing. Let’s allow the leadership to have a conversation on the challenges facing the democratic struggle. Our enemy is Zanu PF not fellow democrats," he said.

“The labelling and condemning must Stop. That group of trolls that daily targets other leaders and whose focus is internal must be disbanded. Let’s mobilise Zimbabweans for constitutional people action to achieve a Fresh, Free and Fair Election.”

Mt Pleasant MP Fadzayi Mahere last week said if the electorate instructs her to withdraw, she will not hesitate.