President Mnangagwa proclaims by-elections date to replace recalled CCC legislators

TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA 

HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a proclamation announcing National Assembly by-elections to replace Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Members of Parliament recalled by Sengezo Tshabangu. 

President Mnangagwa has already moved to replace the recalled CCC lawmakers

Tshabangu declared himself the CCC interim secretary general, and orchestrated the recall of CCC MPs from parliament on the basis that they had ceased to be party members.  

The proclamation has set November 7 as the date for Nomination Court, and December 9 for by-elections. 

CCC has said Tshabangu is a Zanu PF impostor on a mission to destroy the biggest opposition party in Zimbabwe. 

Zanu PF has distanced itself from these claims, saying that it has nothing to do with the recalls. 

The opposition says that its members have been unfairly targeted and persecuted through the recalls.

Yesterday, police stopped CCC's plan to hold peaceful protests against the controversial recalls on October 23. 

CCC asserts that the country has plunged into a constitutional crisis, and that it has been left with no other alternative but to take to the streets. 

The proclamation comes in the wake of revelations that CCC has mandated its party leader Nelson Chamisa to engage in dialogue with President Mnangagwa, as well as civil society, and church leaders to find solutions to the current political impasse.