Recalled CCC MP defies Chamisa, goes independent

Zim Now Writer

In order to circumvent the risk of being recalled again, aspiring Seke legislator, Willard Madzimbamuto chose to file as an Independent candidate for the upcoming by-elections.

Madzimbamuto is among the second batch of recalled opposition Citizens Coalition for Change MPs. They were axed by Sengezo Tshabangu, the disputed interim secretary-general of the party.

The affected members include Gift Ostallos Siziba, Stephen Chatiza, Madzimbamuto, Admore Chivero, Mutasa Oliver and Chibaya Amos.

Only Madzimbamuto chose to be independent to avoid the risk of being barred from contesting like what happened to the first batch of recalled MPs.

“For the avoidance of doubt and clarity, l will be participating in the by elections as an independent candidate,” Madzimbamuto confirmed.

Tshabangu successfully applied to the High Court to have recalled CCC candidates expelled from the ballot.

CCC national taskforce member for the women's Assembly, Sithabile Mlilo had earlier declared their allegiance to the Nelson Chamisa-led party.

“I mean, we can't run away from our party. This is our Citizens Coalition for Change. So, we will a;lways go back as Citizens Coalition for Change. So, we are not going to change anything, that's our party we are not going to ru n away from it,” Mlilo said.

Defending their decision to contest under the party name, former CCC Pelandaba MP Gift “Ostallos” chose to differ, writing: “We can’t surrender a party we founded to a tortoise working for Zanu-PF!”

CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi said the party had appealed all judgements issued against it including the one barring recalled MPs.

“There is a misconstrued narrative that our candidates should have contested as independents because of the court order that barred 9 of our parliamentary candidates of the 9th of December, 2023.

“This is a false narrative. We appealed against that judgement which we believe was grossly misdirected. The effect of our appeal is that that order has been suspended pending the determination of our appeal by the Supreme Court.

“We have appealed against all judgements that have been made thus far. The effect of our appeals is therefore that all the judgements are of no effect. They have been suspended pending determination of the Supreme Court,” Mkwananzi said.