Frank Chikowore

In Zimbabwe, political tensions continue following the disputed general elections. A Zanu-PF activist, Tafadzwa Manyika, has requested the recall of 70 Zanu-PF legislators, including cabinet ministers and the Deputy Finance Minister David Mnangagwa, from parliament. This action follows the recent recall of 29 opposition CCC party members by Sengezo Tshabangu, who claims to be the party's interim secretary-general. The recalls have caused chaos in parliament and led to injuries among legislators. CCC leader Nelson Chamisa has labeled Tshabangu an imposter and accused Zanu-PF of orchestrating the recalls, which the ruling party denies. The recalls could lead to by-elections if the speaker of parliament, Jacob Mudenda, accepts the requests.

In Zimbabwe, a Zanu-PF activist, Tafadzwa Manyika, has sent a recall notice to the speaker of parliament, Jacob Mudenda, aiming to remove 70 Zanu-PF legislators, including cabinet ministers and the son of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. This follows a similar recall of 29 opposition CCC party members by an alleged imposter, Sengezo Tshabangu, which led to chaos in parliament. CCC leader Nelson Chamisa has dismissed Tshabangu and accused Zanu-PF of orchestrating the recalls, a claim the ruling party denies. The recalls have put the speaker in a difficult position, with political analysts suggesting that the move is a test of the speaker's consistency and could expose the absurdity of the recall process. The situation has escalated political tensions, with the possibility of fresh elections looming as nearly 100 MPs have been recalled, potentially collapsing the parliament.

The political situation in Zimbabwe has escalated following the recall of 15 Members of Parliament and nine senators from the opposition party, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), by the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda. The CCC leader, Nelson Chamisa, announced that his party is disengaging from all government business until justice is served. This decision was made after chaotic scenes in the new Parliament building and allegations that the recalls were orchestrated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa's ruling party, Zanu-PF. Political analysts view this as an escalation of the political crisis, while Zanu-PF's parliamentary chief whip, Pupurai Togarepi, dismissed the disengagement. The CCC is planning a diplomatic and political campaign to address the legitimacy of the elections, which Chamisa has called a 'gigantic fraud'. International observers have criticized the elections, and there are calls for the SADC to convene a summit to discuss the crisis.

Fikile Mbalula, ANC Secretary-General, stated that new elections in Zimbabwe are highly unlikely after President Emmerson Mnangagwa's controversial re-election. Despite the opposition led by Nelson Chamisa of the CCC party disputing the results and seeking diplomatic support for new elections, Mbalula emphasized Zimbabwe's sovereignty. International observers criticized the elections, but Mbalula noted their role is not to invalidate the polls. The ANC has shown support for Mnangagwa, and the opposition's legal challenge was abandoned. Prominent lawyer Chris Mhike suggested that constitutionally, fresh elections could occur under certain circumstances. The ANC has also postponed a public lecture on the Zimbabwe elections, citing sensitive engagements regarding the situation in Zimbabwe.

The article discusses the political situation in Zimbabwe following the controversial presidential elections held on 23 August 2023. President Emmerson Mnangagwa was declared the winner, but the opposition and international observers have raised concerns about the election's credibility. The UK's House of Lords debated the issue, with representatives expressing concern over political retribution and the potential further international isolation of Zimbabwe. Baroness Denise Kingsmill of the Commonwealth Observer Mission doubted Zimbabwe's readiness to rejoin the Commonwealth. Political analyst Rashweat Mukundu suggested that without key democratic reforms, Zimbabwe's readmission to the Commonwealth is unlikely. The article also touches on the possibility of an all-party conference to create a roadmap for Zimbabwe's future and mentions the ANC's delicate engagements in Zimbabwe post-elections.

Zimbabwe's main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), led by Nelson Chamisa, has decided not to challenge President Emmerson Mnangagwa's re-election in court, citing a lack of faith in the judiciary's independence. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission declared Mnangagwa the winner with 52.6% of the vote, a result contested by the opposition and international observers. The CCC plans to pursue diplomatic efforts to advocate for new elections, accusing the ruling Zanu-PF party of manipulating the electoral process.

The article discusses the political climate in Zimbabwe following the military ousting of President Robert Mugabe and the appointment of Emmerson Mnangagwa as the new President. Concerns are raised about the militarization of the government as Mnangagwa, a former Mugabe ally, rewards military officials with Cabinet posts. Political analysts and opposition parties fear that the military's involvement in politics could undermine democracy and influence the upcoming elections. Mnangagwa has promised to tackle corruption and revive the economy, but his Cabinet choices suggest a continuation of military influence. Opposition parties are calling for electoral reforms to ensure free and fair elections. The article highlights skepticism about the military's willingness to relinquish power and the potential for continued authoritarian rule under the guise of ZANU-PF.