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The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, has demanded the “reinstatement of all our elected officials as per the 23rd of August 2023 disputed election.”
According to the party’s spokesperson, Promise Mkwananzi, CCC Members of Parliament and councillors who were recalled after the August 23, 2023 elections should be restored to their positions. In an X post seen by Pindula News, Mkwananzi said:
<blockquote>
We demand the reinstatement of all our elected officials as per the 23rd of August 2023 disputed election, including all the original party deployments made at parliamentary and council levels.
</blockquote>
<h3>Some context:</h3>
Zimbabwe held harmonized elections on 23-24 August 2023. However, the CCC rejected the results announced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). The Nelson Chamisa-led party alleged that the electoral body colluded with the ruling ZANU PF party to manipulate the results in favour of ZANU PF.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/08/29/ccc-demands-fresh-elections/">The CCC called for fresh elections</a>, arguing that an independent body like the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), or the United Nations (UN) should supervise the process instead of the perceived biased ZEC. The party sought intervention from the SADC, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/10/14/sadc-urges-zimbabwean-parties-to-approach-courts-over-election-results-grievances/">but the regional body recommended pursuing legal remedies through Zimbabwean courts.</a>
In a surprising turn of events, Sengezo Tshabangu, who claims to be the interim secretary general of the CCC, recalled numerous MPs, Senators, and councillors from the party. Tshabangu argued that these individuals had ceased to be members of the party and had been imposed on the citizenry by CCC leader Chamisa.
<h3>CCC Demand:</h3>
The CCC’s demand for the reinstatement of elected officials sparked debate and criticism. Some questioned the logic of reversing a constitutional process, while others questioned the party’s participation in subsequent by-elections, which they viewed as an endorsement of the process. These discussions revealed differing perspectives on the way forward and emphasized the need to focus on the future.
Many people commented on Mkwananzi’s post and called it an oxymoron, which means it contained contradictory statements. Some said the party is not accepting the results of the 23 August 2023 at the same time wants its candidates elected in that election to be reinstated. 
Mkwananzi defended his statement by saying that the elections produced a disputed outcome and that the disputed outcome is at the centre of the disagreement and the path to legitimacy. 
Others disagreed with the CCC’s demand, saying that it was too late to reverse a constitutional process. They pointed out that the by-elections had already taken place, and it was better to focus on the future instead. There were also questions raised about how the CCC could ask for the reinstatement of officials elected in the August general elections when the party itself participated in the by-elections. Some people saw the CCC’s participation as an endorsement of the by-election process.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Pindula News

CCC Has Demanded The "Reinstatement Of All Officials Elected In August 2023 Disputed Election"

Nine National Assembly representatives who were elected during the 09 December by-elections took the oath of office on Thursday afternoon at the New Parliament building in Mount Hampden.
The National Assembly Representatives who took their oath are Nketa Constituency’s Albert Mavunga (ZANU PF), Cowdray Park Constituency’s Arthur Mujeyi (ZANU PF), Bulawayo South’s Raj Modi and Lobengula-Magwegwe’s Chitura Tendayi Nyathi (CCC).
For Matabeleland North, Phathisiwe Machangu (ZANU PF) who won the Lupane East seat and Chineke Muchimba (ZANU PF) from Binga North were sworn in.
In Matabeleland South Thusani Ndou (ZANU PF) National Assembly member for Beitbridge West and Pedzai Sakupwanya (ZANU PF) for Mabvuku Constituency were sworn in.
The by-elections were necessitated by the recall of CCC MPs in October by Sengezo Tshabangu, who claims to be the party’s interim secretary general.
CCC, under the leadership of Nelson Chamisa, won all the nine seats in the August 2023 general elections.
The recalled MPs were barred from contesting by the High Court and all the CCC candidates who participated in the by-elections were sponsored by Tshabangu.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Newly Elected MPs Sworn Into Office

CCC activist <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Sengezo_Tshabangu">Sengezo Tshabangu</a>, who claims to be the party’s interim secretary general, has blamed his erstwhile colleagues for campaigning against his candidates in the 09 December 2023 by-elections.
ZANU PF won seven out of nine contested seats which were previously under the CCC.
The nine seats fell vacant after Tshabangu recalled their representatives in October claiming that they had ceased to be members of the party.
CCC leader Nelson Chamisa also fielded candidates ahead of the by-elections but they were disqualified by the courts less than two days before the elections.
In an interview with the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/tshabangu-cries-foul/">Chronicle</a>, Tshabangu said despite losing to ZANU PF, they were encouraged by the performance of their candidates. He said:
<blockquote>
We had hoped to get all five available seats in Bulawayo, but we won two.
This is no mean feat in the face of an active de-campaign strategy by some of our former members who resorted to deliberately spoiling the papers and abstinence as a solution.
This eventually led to ZANU PF gaining an advantage. Nonetheless, we congratulate our candidates who did very well and lost by very small margins in testing circumstances.
We are encouraged by our performance everywhere else and we know that better organisation of the party will see it rejuvenated to its former vibrancy.
</blockquote>
Tshabangu said CCC had already started preparations for an elective congress as part of the road to the 2028 national elections.
He, however, did not disclose when and where the congress will be held.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tshabangu Claims Smear Campaign Impacted By-election Performance

Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has criticised the government for the way the by-elections held on 9 December 2023 were conducted. The CCC believes that these by-elections were unnecessary and that the government denied citizens the opportunity to vote.
The party’s spokesperson, Promise Mkwananzi, released a statement condemning the by-elections after the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) announced that ZANU PF had won 7 out of the 9 Parliamentary seats. These seats were previously held by CCC, which had won them in the August 2023 harmonized elections. The seats became vacant after Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-proclaimed interim secretary-general of CCC, recalled the CCC Members of Parliament, accusing them of no longer belonging to the party.
The CCC alleges that ZANU PF influenced Tshabangu to recall CCC MPs and argues that ZANU PF was the mastermind behind these by-elections. CCC MPs who had been recalled were barred by the courts from participating in the by-elections. Read Mkwananzi’s statement seen by Pindula News:
<blockquote>
<h3>Statement on the Fraudulent By-Elections</h3>
The just-ended ZANU PF masterminded by-elections gave the full picture of the regime’s brazen determination to undermine democracy, shred the constitution and deny citizens their inalienable right to vote representatives of their choice.
What is worse is a showcase of a complicit judiciary in undermining the very laws they are supposed to uphold. In a string of judicial absurdities on the eve of the by-elections, at midnight, Justice Muzenda, who contested ZANU PF primary elections in 2013, was brought from Mutare to deliver a nocturnal “order to execute” the Katiyo Judgement without granting CCC and it’s candidates their right to be heard through a lawyer of their choice.
Whereas the court was willing to hear ZANU PF imposters Tshabangu in the heart of the night, it refused to hear our appeal on an urgent basis with respect to the Mutevedzi Judgement.
Despite being the party sponsoring the recalled candidates and being party to the both the Katiyo proceedings and the resultant appeal, the CCC was not invited to Justice Muzenda’s Justice sojourn.
The party took all necessary legal steps to ensure the inclusion of our candidates on the ballot through appealing the misdirected Judgement by Justice Katiyo arising from an equally misdirected initial Judgement by Justice Mutevedzi. It is sad that more than forty years after independence, citizens have to approach the courts to be on the ballot paper and actually being denied that right, effectively denying citizens the choice to vote for the removed candidates.
The effect of the biased judgement is a judicial coup on the concerned constituencies and a result that is illegitimate and unrepresentative of the will of the voters. This further exacerbates the ongoing legitimacy impasse stemming out of the flawed sham of the 23rd of August 2023.
It is disturbing that the government spent a whooping USD5 million dollars conducting needless by-election only to deny citizens the choice to vote in that election further evidence of scarce financial resources poured down the drain at a time when resources are direly required to combat cholera, equip hospitals and prepare emergency measures for the forecasted severe drought.
The ill-fated by-elections are a sham as evidenced by an unprecedented low voter turn out and unusually high number of spoilt ballots both signalling the people’s anger and growing impatience against the regime’s shenanigans.
Coupled with the flawed and contested outcome of the 23rd of August 2023, the effect of this order is a judicial coup on the right to vote and to be voted for in Zimbabwe-an undeniable affront against the constitution of Zimbabwe. Accordingly, we will be filing a formal complaint with the Judicial Service Commission.
Under the continued leadership and guidance of CCC President Advocate Nelson Chamisa we continue to reiterate that only SADC-facilitated dialogue with a view to implement the reforms necessary to enable the conduction of a fresh election is the only solution to Zimbabwe’s deepening legitimacy and political crisis.
</blockquote>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

"Zimbabwean Govt Spent USD5 Million Conducting Needless By-election, Denied Citizens To Vote" - CCC

ZANU PF has gained seven National Assembly seats in the recent by-elections, filling the vacancies left by the recalls of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Members of Parliament (MPs) by Sengezo Tshabangu. The ruling party won uncontested in Mabvuku-Tafara and emerged victorious in Binga North, Bulawayo South, Beitbridge West, Lupane East, Cowdray Park, and Nketa. According to official results released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Tshabangu’s CCC party only won in Lobengula Magwegwe and Mpopoma Mzilikazi.
Cowdray Park: Mujeyi Arthur (Winner)
In the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/12/10/zanu-pf-wins-bulawayo-south-and-cowdray-park-by-elections/">Cowdray Park Constituency</a>, Mujeyi Arthur of ZANU PF won with 1,765 votes, defeating Vusimuzi Chirwa of CCC who received 1,560 votes. The voter turnout in Cowdray Park was low, with less than 4,000 people casting their votes out of over 20,000 registered voters.
Nketa Constituency: Albert Mavunga (Winner)
In the Nketa Constituency by-elections, Albert Mavunga from ZANU PF received 1550 votes, Ambrose Sibindi from CCC received 1439 votes, and Luckmore Gwetu from DOP received 177 votes. As a result, Albert Mavunga from ZANU PF has been elected as the Member of Parliament for the Nketa constituency.
Bulawayo South: Rajeshkumari Modi (Winner)
Rajeshkumari Modi of ZANU PF won in the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/12/10/zanu-pf-wins-bulawayo-south-and-cowdray-park-by-elections/">Bulawayo South Constituency</a> with 1,608 votes, surpassing Sithole James of CCC who received 1,130 votes. The voter turnout in this constituency was also very low.
Beitbridge West: Thusani Ndou (Winner)
In Beitbridge West, Thusani Ndou of ZANU PF was duly elected as the Member of Parliament with 4,929 votes.
Lobengula Magwegwe: Tendayi Chitura (Winner)
In Lobengula Magwegwe, Tendayi Chitura of CCC won with 1,648 votes, defeating Dube Menziwa of ZANU PF who received 1,318 votes.
Lupane East: Phathisiwe Machangu (Winner)
Phathisiwe Machangu of ZANU PF emerged victorious in the Lupane East by-election with 6,863 votes, defeating David Nyathi of CCC who received 1,750 votes.
Mabvuku-Tafara: Pedzai Scott Sakupwanya (Winner)
ZANU PF candidate, Pedzai Scott Sakupwanya, was declared the winner in the Mabvuku-Tafara constituency. This was after the High Court barred Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi, a CCC contestant, from running. Kufahakutizwi had been recalled by the CCC and the court ruled that he was unable to represent the party in the by-elections without the approval of the recalling authority.
Mpopoma-Mzilikazi: Charles Moyo
Charles Moyo from the CCC party won the Mpopoma-Mzilikazi National Assembly seat. He received 1,632 votes, defeating Kamamba Dzinga from ZANU PF who got 1,097 votes. Blessings Sibanda from DOP received 47 votes, and Pardon Tapfumaneyi, an independent candidate, received 654 votes.
Bulawayo Ward 9 By-election: Donaldson Mabutho (Winner)
Donaldson Mabutho, former Deputy Mayor of Bulawayo, won the Ward 9 council seat in the by-election, defeating ZANU PF’s Lovemore Munyamana.
The by-elections had a significantly lower voter turnout compared to the August general elections and considering the number of eligible voters in the respective areas.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ZEC Releases 09 December 2023 By-election Results

The ruling party in Zimbabwe, ZANU PF, has recently secured two additional Parliamentary seats, adding to their recent victories. However, these victories have not been without controversy. The by-elections were held after a controversial ban on some candidates.
In the Cowdray Park Constituency, Mujeyi Arthur of ZANU PF was elected as a Member of Parliament with 1,765 votes. He defeated Vusimuzi Chirwa from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), who received 1,560 votes. The voter turnout in Cowdray Park was disappointingly low, with less than 4,000 people casting their votes out of over 20,000 registered voters. The seat became vacant when Pashor Raphael Sibannda, who had won in the previous harmonised elections, was recalled by Sengezo Tshabangu. However, Sibannda was banned from participating in the by-elections by the High Court. He defeated ZANU PF’s candidate Mthuli Ncube who is also the Finance Minister in the 23-24 August 2023 harmonised elections.
In the Bulawayo South Constituency, ZANU PF’s Rajeshkumari Modi emerged as the winner with 1,608 votes. Sithole James of the CCC received 1,130 votes. Once again, the voter turnout was very low.
These by-elections were held due to the recall of CCC Members of Parliament (MPs) by Sebgezo Tshabangu. Tshabangu claimed that these MPs were no longer members of the party. However, the CCC has raised concerns that Tshabangu is collaborating with the ruling party to gain a two-thirds majority in Parliament, which could potentially allow for easier amendments to the Constitution.
ZANU PF’s recent successes come after <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/12/08/zec-cancels-mabvuku-tafara-by-election-declares-pedzai-sakupwanya-as-the-winner/">another controversial victory in the Mabvuku-Tafara constituency</a>. Their candidate, Pedzai Scott Sakupwanya, was declared the winner after Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi, a CCC contestant, was barred from running by the High Court. Kufahakutizwi had been recalled by the CCC, and the court ruled that he could not represent the party in the by-elections without the approval of the recalling authority.
Several CCC candidates were barred from contesting in the by-elections, including Sibanda Dubeko Prince (Binga North), Moyo Bright Vanya (Lupane East), Pashor Raphael Sibanda (Cowdray Park), Watson Nicola Jane (Bulawayo South), Gono Ereck (Lobengula-Magwegwe), Ncube Morgan (Beitbridge West), Manduna Obert (Nketa), Makaza Desmond (Mpopoma-Mzilikazi), and Kufahakutizwi Munyaradzi Phebion (Mabvuku-Tafara).
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ZANU PF Win Cowdray Park After Ban On Some Candidates

Self-proclaimed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu said that his party will accept the outcome of the by-elections held today, 09 December.
Speaking to the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/ccc-ready-to-accept-poll-outcome-tshabangu/">Chronicle</a>, Tshabangu said the elections were held in a peaceful environment, and he will therefore accept the results.
Tshabangu, however, expressed concern over reports of voter apathy after it emerged that the majority of registered voters shunned the polls. He said:
<blockquote>
To us, any outcome will be accepted although everyone knows that when you go into any contest, the objective is to win.
However, everyone knows that in this political game, it’s either you win or lose and you must be prepared to accept especially the losing part. It’s all part of democracy.
These by-elections presented an opportunity for a democratic foundation as we look forward to 2028.
We are of course concerned about the reported voter apathy because we know that any voter apathy has always benefited ZANU PF.
</blockquote>
Tshabangu has recalled scores of CCC MPs and councillors, saying they had ceased to be members of the opposition party.
However, CCC leader Nelson Chamisa has dismissed Tshabangu as an imposter and accused him of working with ZANU PF to destroy the opposition party.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tshabangu Expresses Readiness To Accept By-elections Results

Lawyer Jeremiah Bamu’s law firm Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Makoni Legal Practitioners have written a letter to the Registrar of the High Court of Zimbabwe demanding that his name should be removed from a Friday night order by Justice Isaac Muzenda barring recalled CCC MPs from today’s by-elections.
Justice Isaac Muzenda presided over the High Court application by Sengezo Tshabangu to stop CCC recalled MPs from participating in the 09 December by-elections.
Bamu said he was not part of the proceedings saying “It can only be an error” for Justice Muzenda’s order to reflect that he (Bamu) appeared for the respondents.
The letter, dated 09 December 2023, was copied to the Secretary of the Law Society of Zimbabwe, the Secretary of the Judicial Services Commission, A. Muchadehama, C. Kwaramba, and Agency Gumbo. It reads:
<blockquote>
CITIZENS COALITION FOR CHANGE &amp; ANOR vs. PRINCE DUBEKO SIBANDA &amp; ORS HCH 8072/23 
REQUEST FOR CORRECTION OF ORDER MADE BY THE COURT
1. We refer to the above matter.
2. May you kindly place this letter before the Honourable Justice Muzenda, with a request that he mero motu corrects the Order he issued in the above matter in terms of Rule 29 (1) (b) for the order to reflect that there was no appearance on behalf of 1st – 22nd Respondents, and that in fact the Order was issued in default of their appearance.
3. In the event that he is not minded to do so, may the writer (Mr. Bamu) be advised of same to enable him to make a formal application for such correction of the patent error in the Order in terms of the same Rule.
4. The following issues are common cause and serve as a background to the request:
4.1 The Honourable Judge was made aware that Mr. Bamu had no mandate and no instructions from any of the Respondents and he was not representing them.
4.2 The Honourable Judge was also made aware that Mr. Bamu was a complete stranger to the proceedings. He is not part of the legal team that filed the appeal which formed the subject of the application. He had not even read the application and he knew nothing about it. He was not privy to the proceedings that had taken place before His Lordship Katiyo J resulting in the appeal. He was not the legal practitioner of choice for any of the applicants and he could not impose his representation upon them.
4.3 He had in fact been dragged out of bed by a desperate plea from the Registrar to assist in a case management session with respect to a matter in which one of the principals in his firm, Mr. Muchadehama was handling. The Registrar advised that he had made prior efforts to contact Mr. Muchadehama and had failed. He had tried liaising with Mr. Kwaramba who had made an undertaking to liaise with Mr. Muchadehama and that had also failed. All that was now required was to manage the case as efforts to contact Mr. Muchadehama were being made. This is the basis and understanding upon which Mr. Bamu joined the session, only to be ambushed into a hearing in respect of which he had no prior knowledge, no file, no instructions from any person and in respect of which he completely knew nothing about.
4.4 Consequently, Mr. Bamu objected to this approach, and made an application that the matter be postponed to 10am the next morning (9 December 2023) to enable him to drive to Mr. Muchadehama’s residence and advise him of the proceedings, in the alternative, for Mr. Bamu to read through the papers, seek to obtain instructions from the client and be prepared to argue the matter. The only objection raised by the Applicant and representatives of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission was that polls were scheduled to commence at 7am. Mr. Bamu pointed out that section 53 of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13] permits the Constituency Elections Officer to determine and fix a later time for opening of the polls where good cause exists. The fact that the court was seized with the determination of a matter that affected the poll in question was sufficient cause to facilitate the delay of opening polls, which cured the concern raised by ZEC and the Applicants.
4.5 His Lordship Muzenda J noted that he appreciated the explanation that had been tendered by Mr. Bamu, and excused Mr. Bamu from the hearing as he clearly had no mandate from any of the litigants. The Judge also expressed that if Mr. Bamu so wished he could listen in to the proceedings though taking no further part in them.
4.6 Consequently, it can only be an error, a patent one at that, for the order to reflect that Mr. Bamu appeared for the 1st 22nd Respondents in circumstances where it was abundantly clear that he was not, and had only been requested to assist in a case management process that would facilitate proper representation of all parties concerned.
4.7 This request is being made in view of the fact that should it remain uncorrected, it exposes Mr. Bamu to potential disciplinary action from the regulating body, the Law Society, for purporting to represent clients who had not instructed him to do so, and in circumstances where his participation was only intended to assist the court in securing proper representation of the parties.
5. Your assistance in this respect will be greatly appreciated.
Yours faithfully
Mbidzo Muchadehama and Makoni
</blockquote>
 
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Lawyer Demands High Court Removes His Name From Order Granted In Tshabangu's Favour

Lawyer Jeremiah Bamu says he was not representing the recalled CCC MPs when Justice Isaac Muzenda issued an order on Friday night barring them from today’s by-elections.
Justice Isaac Muzenda presided over the High Court application by Sengezo Tshabangu to stop CCC recalled MPs from participating in the 09 December by-elections.
Bamu said that he was “dragged out of bed” after 10 PM last night and “ambushed” by the Registrar.
In a statement, Bamu said he informed the judge that he had no instructions to argue the matter on behalf of the respondents and the judge proceeded to issue a default order, with no lawyers present for CCC. <a href="https://x.com/daddyhope/status/1733416298225316332?s=20">Said Bamu</a>:
<blockquote>
I was dragged from bed at 22.10hrs back to the office to join an online session of a court that I had no idea about.
The court officials insisted it was just a case management meeting. When I got there I was ambushed into the actual hearing of the matter on the merits. I told them I was a complete alien to the proceedings.
I had no mandate from the candidates and I didn’t know if they were aware of the night (in) justice.
I told them I had not participated in any of the prior proceedings and had not read any of the papers to enable me to fully appreciate the matter at hand and apply my mind to it.
I asked for time to obtain a mandate and instructions.
I asked for time to read through the papers and understand them. I pointed out that where good cause exists poll opening can be delayed by the constituency elections officer.
I told them that common decency, logic, professionalism, etiquette and integrity of process would require that the matter be postponed for the reasons I had cited.
The Judge proceeded with the hearing. He said he appreciated the issues I had raised but was nonetheless going to grant the order and I was free to leave the hearing or listen to him pronounce his decision.
I have never seen the likes of this. A choreographed script that I was required to sanitize. I refused to sanitize it. They nonetheless proceeded.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) said that all centres with by-elections opened on time at 7 AM and voters were already queuing to cast votes.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Lawyer "Dragged Out Of Bed" To Argue A Case For CCC "He Had No Idea About"

High Court judge Justice Isaac Muzenda on Friday night granted an application by Sengezo Tshabangu, confirming that recalled CCC MPs cannot stand in by-elections being held today, reported <a href="https://x.com/zimlive/status/1733244334521081903?s=20">ZimLive</a>.
However, local authority by-elections are unaffected by court order, and this means that all the candidates recalled by Tshabangu in October have an opportunity to reclaim their seats.
Tshabangu had made an application seeking leave to execute Justice Never Katiyo’s order pending appeal.
His lawyers admitted that the appeal by the Nelson Chamisa-led CCC to the Supreme Court could allow recalled MPs to run in the by-elections. Read the High Court order issued on Friday:
<blockquote>
The application for leave to execute pending appeal be and is hereby granted. It is ordered that the judgement of this court in HCH7543/23 be carried into execution pending appeal in SC679/23. There will be no order as to costs.
</blockquote>
On Thursday, Justice Katiyo granted an application by Tshabangu to disqualify 22 recalled CCC MPs and senators from participating in the 09 December by-elections.
CCC then appealed the ruling at the Supreme Court and thereafter demanded that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) retain the names of its candidates on the ballot papers.
The affected individuals are Sibanda Dubeko Prince (Binga North), Moyo Bright Vanya Lupane East (Cowdray Park), Watson Nicola Jane (Bulawayo South), Gono Ereck (Lobengula-Magwegwe), Ncube Morgan (Beitbridge West), Manduna Obert (Nketa), Makaza Desmond (Mpopoma-Mzilikazi), Kufahakutizwi Munyaradzi Phebion (Mabvuku-Tafara).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

High Court Bars Recalled CCC MPs From Running In 09 December By-elections Despite Supreme Court Appeal

Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) top official David Coltart, who is also Bulawayo Mayor, has urged Zimbabweans to vote for ZAPU National Assembly candidates in by-elections being held today.
Posting on X this Saturday, the former Minister of Education said that ZAPU is a democratic party that will serve the interests of the people of Bulawayo better than ZANU PF of CCC candidates sponsored by Sengezo Tshabangu. <a href="https://x.com/DavidColtart/status/1733367416367796585?s=20">He said:</a>
<blockquote>
Now that our 5 MP candidates in Bulawayo have been unlawfully barred from standing for election I urge citizens to vote where possible for ZAPU MP candidates. ZAPU is a democratic party and they will serve our interests much better than ZANU PF or pseudo ZANU PF candidates.
</blockquote>
This comes after the High Court nullified the nomination of CCC candidates sponsored by Nelson Chamisa.
Tshabangu, who claims to be the party’s interim secretary general, recalled the legislators in October claiming that they had ceased to be CCC members.
His lawyer Lewis Uriri argued that the MPs should be barred from contesting under the name of a party from which they were recalled. Justice Katiyo granted Tshabangu’s request.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

CCC Official Urges Bulawayo Voters To Elect ZAPU MP Candidates

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) on Friday, 08 December cancelled a by-election for the Mabvuku-Tafara National Assembly constituency and declared the ZANU PF candidate Pedzai Sakupwanya as the winner.
In a statement, ZEC Chief Elections Officer Utoile Silaigwana said Sakupwanya became the sole candidate for the Mabvuku-Tafara by-election after the other candidate, CCC’s Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi’s candidature was set aside by the High Court.
Since there were only two candidates for the Mabvuku-Tafara by-election, therefore Kufahakutizwi’s disqualification means that Sakupwanya has won the seat uncontested. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
Further to the press release issued by the Commission on 07 November 2023, it is hereby notified that the candidature of Kufahakutizwi Febion Munyaradzi of CCC was also set aside by the High Court Order in the matter HCH7543/23.
Since there were only two candidates nominated for the Mabvuku-Tafara National Assembly constituency by-election, Sakupwanya Pedzai of ZANU (PF) is the sole candidate that was duly nominated, hence there will be no by-election in that Constituency on 09 December 2023.
Consequently, the public is hereby notified that Pedzai Sakupwanya of ZANU (PF) has been duly elected member of the National Assembly for Mabvuku-Tafara Constituency with effect from 9 December 2023.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, CCC has urged voters to turn out in their numbers and vote for the party’s candidates in by-elections scheduled for Saturday, 09 December.
In a statement, CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi said a High Court ruling barring recalled CCC candidates from the poll, and the announcement by ZEC Chief Elections Officer, Utoile Silaigwana to withdraw ballot papers from the constituencies, have been nullified by the party’s appeal against the ruling at the Supreme Court.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZEC Cancels Mabvuku-Tafara By-election, Declares Pedzai Sakupwanya As The Winner

The Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa has urged voters to turn out in their numbers and vote for the party’s candidates in by-elections scheduled for Saturday, 09 December.
In a statement, CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi said a High Court ruling barring recalled CCC candidates from the poll, and an announcement by ZEC Chief Elections Officer, Utoile Silaigwana to withdraw ballot papers from the constituencies, have been nullified by the party’s appeal against the ruling at the Supreme Court. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
Our legal team has successfully served ZEC through the Chief of Elections Mr Utoile Silaigwana with our court appeal and a letter of all our legitimate candidates to be included on the ballot for tomorrow’s by-election.
The statement by Silaigwana that he has removed our candidates is therefore nullified by the court appeal.
Accordingly, by-elections are proceeding as scheduled tomorrow with all our candidates on the ballot paper.
We urge all citizens to turn out in their numbers to re-confirm our legitimate candidates by electing them back.
This whole debacle of going back and forth in the justice system has exposed the following:
a) ZANU PF has contaminated and corrupted our justice system through the criminal abuse of the courts.
b) They are afraid of proper elections and are using a nefarious, albeit failed, attempt to remove legitimately nominated candidates from the ballot paper.
c) They have tried without success to use the needless by-elections to divert our attention from claiming and pursuing our victory of the harmonised elections of August 2023.
The regime is afraid of our momentum and the huge and genuine political support that President Nelson Chamisa and the CCC have accumulated in the country.
This has been exposed by the clandestine use of named rogue elements to abduct, torture and assassinate our candidates and activists.
In Mabvuku-Tafara for example, they abducted and murdered Bishop Tapfumanei Masaya.
Although the perpetrators of these heinous acts are known and have been recorded on camera, no single arrest has been effected.
While seized with senseless and unlawful by-elections, government business has collapsed and resulted in Zimbabwean citizens being denied proper representation, their right to vote and the sanctity of their vote.
An opportunity to adequately debate, dissect, interpret and ensure that the national budget remains pro-poor has been lost.
All this mis-prioritisation is happening at a time when the nation is faced with unprecedented drought that will severely expose the fallacy of a bumper harvest through ill-conceived pfumvudza looting scheme leaving the majority of the citizens facing starvation.
The August 2023 elections were rigged as confirmed by all observer mission`s damming reports, making Mnangagwa’s government illegitimate and operating on a defacto and caretaker basis pending the final resolution of the electoral dispute.
As we grapple with finding a lasting political solution through SADC and other avenues, we urge the citizens of Zimbabwe to turn out in their numbers tomorrow to make an unequivocal statement by voting back their representatives as elected on the 23rd of August 2023.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chamisa's CCC Vows To Participate In 09 December By-elections

The ZANU PF candidate for the Mabvuku-Tafara National Assembly constituency in the 09 December by-elections, Pedzai Sakupwanya, has reportedly won the seat uncontested.
According to <a href="https://x.com/zimlive/status/1733080248789483577?s=20">ZimLive</a>, on Thursday, 07 December, High Court judge Justice Never Katiyo withdrew an order he earlier issued barring 8 recalled Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MPs from running in Saturday’s by-elections.
The order excluded the CCC candidate for Mabuku-Tafara Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi who was among the first batch of the party’s MPs and councillors recalled by Sengezo Tshabangu in October.
Tshabangu is CCC’s self-proclaimed interim secretary-general who recalled the elected officials saying they had “ceased to be members of the party”, which triggered the by-elections.
A new order by Justice Katiyo adds Kufahakutizwi to the list of nominated candidates disqualified from contesting in the 09 December by-elections on the basis that he was cited as a respondent in Tshabangu’s founding affidavit, although lawyers excluded him as a respondent in the draft order.
Tshabangu had said that Kufahakutizwi’s recall was an error. Tshabangu did not field a candidate in the constituency despite Kufahakutizwi having been sponsored by the Nelson Chamisa-led CCC faction. Read the new court order:
<blockquote>
Whereupon after reading documents filed of record and hearing counsel, it is ordered that: the decision of the Nomination Court sitting at Harare, Bulawayo, Gwanda, Lupane and/or any other location around the country on 7 November 2023 to accept the nomination papers and candidature of 1st to 23rd respondents for election in the by-elections set to be conducted on 9 December 2023 is unlawful, of no force and effect and hereby set aside.
That 1st to 23rd respondents are not candidates for election in the by-elections scheduled to be conducted on 9 December 2023.
That 24th and 25th respondents shall not include the names of 1st to 23rd respondents in the preparation of ballot papers to be used in the by-elections scheduled to be conducted on 9 December 2023. 4. That the 1st to 23rd respondents are interdicted from representing or holding themselves out to the general public and electorate in the constituencies concerned or any other place in Zimbabwe, whether physically or through any form of media, as candidates for election in by-elections scheduled to be held on 9 December 2023.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pedzai Sakupwanya Wins Mabvuku-Tafara Constituency Uncontested

The Citizens Coalition For Change (CCC) has approached the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) in a bid to ensure that the names of its candidates who were duly nominated on 7 November 2023 to contest in the 09 December by-elections remain on the ballot papers.
In a statement on Friday, ZEC Chief Elections Officer, Utoile Silaigwana announced the withdrawal of ballot papers in eight constituencies that were affected by a ruling by High Court judge Justice Never Katiyo who nullified the nomination of recalled CCC for the Saturday by-elections.
On Thursday, CCC’s deputy spokesman Gift Siziba said that the party had appealed against the decision by Justice Katiyo at the Supreme Court.
Today, 08 December, Siziba said CCC officials visited the ZEC offices and furnished Silaigwana with a copy of their Supreme Court appeal.
As a general rule, an appeal at the Supreme Court suspends a High Court judgement until the higher court makes a ruling on the matter. Said Siziba:
<blockquote>
We have just been to @ZECzim and have served The Chief Elections Officer Slaigwana with our Supreme Court Appeal accompanied by a letter demanding the assurance that our candidates are on the ballot for tomorrow.
</blockquote>
CCC, through its legal representative Mbidzo, Muchadehama &amp; Makoni Legal Practitioners, wrote to ZEC this Friday. The letter read in part:
<blockquote>
PRINCE DUBEKO SIBANDA AND 23 OTHERS v CITIZENS COALITION FOR CHANGE AND 3 OTHERS – CASE No. SC 679/23 REF CASE No. HCH 7543/23
We refer to the above matter in which orders were granted by the High Court (per Katiyo J) in Case No. HCH 7543/23.
We write to advise that our clients Prince Dubeko Sibanda and 23 others have appealed the High Court judgement/orders in this matter. Case No. SC 679/23 refers. We attach hereto a copy of the notice of appeal duly issued by the Supreme Court.
In the High Court, the 1st and 2nd Respondents were seeking declaratory orders, consequential relief and interdicts.
We contend that the noting of the appeal suspends the High Court judgement appealed against. To this end, we demand those of our clients in respect of whom by-elections are due to be held on 09 December 2023 be on the ballot papers.
</blockquote>
The letter identifies the affected CCC candidates as follows: Sibanda Dubeko Prince (Binga North), Moyo Bright Vanya Lupane East (Cowdray Park), Watson Nicola Jane (Bulawayo South), Gono Ereck (Lobengula-Magwegwe), Ncube Morgan (Beitbridge West), Manduna Obert (Nketa), Makaza Desmond (Mpopoma-Mzilikazi).
On Thursday, Sengezo Tshabangu’s lawyer Advocate Lewis Uriri was reported as saying that the order granted by the High Court in the case of the recalled CCC MPs standing in by-elections was “declaratory and an appeal will not suspend the order.”
However, CCC legislator, Fadzayi Mahere argued that Uriri’s assertion is incorrect. Said Mahere:
<blockquote>
That’s incorrect. An appeal suspends the operation of a court order. In the case of Musa Kika v Luke Malaba CJ HH 287/21, the court held that an appeal suspends an order appealed against including declaratory orders that grant consequential relief such as an interdict.
This is exactly the case in the by-election recalls case. Once an appeal is noted, that order will no longer be operative. That’s the law.
</blockquote>
Tshabangu is CCC’s self-proclaimed interim secretary general who initiated the recalls which triggered the by-elections.
Justice Katiyo granted Tshabangu’s application to bar the 22 recalled CCC Members of the National Assembly from contesting in Saturday’s by-election after ruling that the move by the nomination court to accept their papers was unlawful.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

CCC Approaches ZEC Over Withdrawal Of Ballot Papers For 09 December By-elections

ZANU PF candidate for Mabvuku-Tafara National Assembly constituency in the 09 December by-elections, Pedzai Sakupwanya, handed out maize, flour and bread to ZANU PF supporters in the constituency on Thursday.
<a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/last-supper-sakupwanya-treats-supporters-to-bag-of-maize-meal-flour-and-loaf-of-bread-as-second-election-showdown-nears/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> reported that a queue made up of the elderly, school-going children and youths snaked around Mabvuku Stadium as the residents tried to get the freebies from the gold dealer.
Residents received a 10kg bag of maize meal, 2kg packet of flour and a loaf of bread each.
Sakupwanya, a former councillor in Harare, was defeated by the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi in Mabvuku-Tafara at August’s General Elections.
The two men’s names are on the ballot paper again for the by-election following the recall of Kufahakutizwi by Sengezo Tshabangu, a CCC activist who claims to be the party’s interim secretary-general.
The event was attended by ZANU PF Harare provincial chairman Godwills Masimirembwa and ZANU PF Treasurer Patrick Chinamasa.
Chinamasa stood in for Vice President Constantino Chiwenga as Guest of Honour. 
Chiwenga was at the Harare Magistrates Court, where his ex-wife Marry Mubaiwa’s attempted murder case was being heard. Said Chinamasa:
<blockquote>
The fights in the CCC are an opportunity for us to win, let us win on Saturday. Their issues are not ours, those are their problems.
</blockquote>
Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono urged CCC members to assist Kufahakutizwi to ensure that he reclaims the seat. Chin’ono posted on X:
<blockquote>
Everyone who can MUST assist the CCC candidate for Mabvuku-Tafara to win back this constituency, this man needs to win it!
… I urge ALL opposition leaders in Harare to go and campaign in Mabvuku, the symbolism of winning this seat will keep our HOPE alive!
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

By-election: Sakupwanya Dishes Out Maize Meal To Mabvuku Residents

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) says it has withdrawn ballot papers in eight constituencies that were affected by a ruling by High Court judge Justice Never Katiyo who nullified the nomination of recalled Citizens Coalition For Change (CCC) candidates for the 09 December 2023 by-elections.
Justice Katiyo granted the party’s self-declared interim Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu an application to bar recalled CCC candidates from participating in the upcoming by-elections.
CCC’s deputy spokesman Gift Siziba on Thursday said that the party had appealed against the decision by Justice Katiyo at the Supreme Court.
In a statement, ZEC Chief Elections Officer, Utoile Silaigwana said that they are going to reprint ballots for Binga North, Lupane East, Cowdray Park, Bulawayo South, Lobengula-Magwegwe, Beitbridge West, Nketa, Mpopoma-Mzilikazi constituencies in compliance with the court order.
The recalled CCC representatives who were affected by the recent ruling by Justice Katiyo are:
<ul>
<li>Sibanda Dubeko Prince</li>
<li>Moyo Bright Vanya</li>
<li>Nkomo Veliswe</li>
<li>Toffa Jasmine</li>
<li>Mlilo Stabile</li>
<li>Sibanda Pashor Raphael</li>
<li>Watson Nicola Jane</li>
<li>Gono Ereck</li>
<li>Zana Evidence Sunungurai</li>
<li>Ncube Morgan</li>
<li>Manduna Obert</li>
<li>Dube Janeth</li>
<li>Makaza Desmond</li>
<li>Shoko Gideon</li>
<li>Sibanda Tendai</li>
<li>Moyo Anastasia</li>
<li>Gabuzza Joel</li>
<li>Chimhini David</li>
<li>Ncube Siphiwe</li>
<li>Sibanda Felix</li>
<li>Zivira Helen</li>
<li>Madzikana Mativenga</li>
</ul>
The CCC candidates who were nominated for the direct first-past-the-post elections are:
Sibanda Dubeko Prince (Binga North), Moyo Bright Vanya Lupane East (Cowdray Park), Watson Nicola Jane (Bulawayo South), Gono Ereck (Lobengula-Magwegwe), Ncube Morgan (Beitbridge West), Manduna Obert (Nketa), Makaza Desmond (Mpopoma-Mzilikazi).
Silaigwana said the named individuals will not have their names appearing on the ballot paper in the Saturday by-elections. He said:
<blockquote>
Consequently, the said persons are not candidates for the by-elections on 9 December 2023. In terms of the court order, the Commission has been ordered not to include the names of the said persons in the preparation of ballot papers to be used in the by-elections.
The Commission is thus withdrawing all ballot papers that had been printed and distributed to the respective Constituencies and will reprint and redistribute ballots that are in compliance with the court order.
Kindly note that this will not affect the number of ballots to be printed and the number remains as notified in the notice published on 27 November 2023. The printer remains Printing and Minting Company.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZEC Withdraws Ballot Papers For 09 December By-elections

The High Court on Wednesday reserved judgement in a case in which <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Sengezo_Tshabangu">Sengezo Tshabangu</a> is seeking the disqualification of CCC MPs and senators he recalled from participating in the 09 December 2023 by-elections, reported <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/high-court-reserves-ruling-in-tshabangu-ballot-challenge-against-recalled-mps/">ZimLive</a>.
Tshabangu, who claims to be CCC’s interim secretary general, recalled 14 MPs from the National Assembly and eight senators in October, claiming that they had ceased to be CCC members.
The MPs would later lose two appeals filed with the High Court and the Supreme Court.
However, the MPs successfully filed their nomination papers for the by-elections under CCC which triggered the latest challenge by Tshabangu.
When the case was argued before Justice Never Katiyo in the High Court yesterday, Tshabangu’s lawyer Lewis Uriri said the MPs should be barred from contesting under the name of a party from which they were recalled. He said:
<blockquote>
They were recalled and as a result, by-elections were called for.
We submit that ZEC should not have accepted nomination papers of recalled members without confirmation of their restoration to the party.
</blockquote>
Tshabangu filed his application citing CCC as the first applicant.
The CCC led by Nelson Chamisa then sought to be joined in the proceedings.
Uriri insisted that the CCC (led by Chamisa) which joined the proceedings was bogus.
Alec Muchadehama, representing the recalled legislators, argued the High Court had no jurisdiction to hear the case. He said:
<blockquote>
In our papers, we raise a number of preliminary issues and we still stand by them. This court has no jurisdiction to entertain this matter.
It is an electoral matter which ought to have been filed in the Electoral Court.
</blockquote>
He also argued that Tshabangu’s request has been overtaken by events. Said Muchadehama:
<blockquote>
Ballot papers have already been printed and sent to constituencies in readiness for the election.
All systems are now in place for the election to be heard. To take submissions already overtaken by events will be pointless.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

High Court Reserves Ruling On Recalled CCC MPs

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has joined court proceedings in a case where Sengezo Tshabangu is demanding the removal of CCC legislators from contesting in Saturday’s by-elections. Tshabangu claims to be the interim secretary general of the CCC and had previously recalled 15 MPs, stating that they were no longer members of the party.
The recalled legislators filed an urgent court application, but it was dismissed by the High Court. The court ruled that the lawmakers failed to prove their membership in the CCC and also did not include the CCC as a respondent in their case. The legislators then filed an appeal, but it was struck off by the Supreme Court due to incorrect filing.
Tshabangu also filed another application arguing that the recalled legislators should not be allowed to file nomination papers for the by-election under the CCC, according to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/ccc-joins-court-proceedings-in-case-mps-are-challenging-removal-from-ballot/">NewZimbabwe</a>. The matter was supposed to be heard on Tuesday but was postponed to Wednesday after the CCC requested to be joined in the proceedings. Nqobani Sithole representing Tshabangu said:
<blockquote>
The reason why this matter was not heard is because there is a party that also calls itself CCC which had asked for a joinder and was officially joined through a court order and will now be respondent number 25.
The bone of contention is the issue of double candidates. There are candidates who were expelled by the party who then went back to Zec and filed papers in the name of CCC. 
</blockquote>
The main issue in the case is the presence of double candidates. Some of the expelled members filed nomination papers under the CCC, the same party that had recalled them. Tshabangu’s other lawyer, Lewis Uriri, earlier argued:
<blockquote>
You remember that these people were recalled by the CCC. They challenged their recall in the High Court and the court upheld the recalls.
As a result, we know for a fact that they ceased to be members of parliament on account of their recall by CCC. They then proceeded to file their nomination papers under the CCC, the very same party that recalled them.
The law knows no such absurdity. The party that recalled them did not sign their nomination papers and they were therefore improperly nominated and we will be seeking that they be expunged from the list of those that were validly nominated such that they will not be on the ballot paper.
</blockquote>
The CCC’s involvement in the court case adds another layer of complexity to the already contentious situation. The outcome of the case will have implications for the by-elections and the legitimacy of the candidates involved. It remains to be seen how the court will rule and what impact it will have on the political landscape in Zimbabwe.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

CCC Joins Case In Which Tshabangu Demands Removal Of Recalled MPs From By-elections

A Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) rally scheduled for Sunday in Cowdray Park suburb, Bulawayo, has reportedly been cancelled to pave the way for a ZANU PF rally.
The CCC leader Nelson Chamisa was expected to grace the rally to drum up support for the party’s candidates in the 09 December by-election, but the rally will not happen today.
Instead, Vice President and ZANU PF second secretary Constantino Chiwenga will address party supporters in the suburb to drum up support for party candidates Arthur Mujeyi and Kidwell Mujuru.
Mujeyi is standing in for the national assembly while Mujuru is running for Ward Six council seat in next weekend’s by-elections.
The CCC rally was expected to be held at a popular meeting point known as “eboosteni”.
The opposition party had notified the police on 28 November 2023 as required under the MOPO Act and the rally was expected to take place from 12 noon to 2 PM.
Speaking to <a href="https://cite.org.zw/police-block-ccc-cowdray-park-rally-to-pave-way-for-zanu-pf/">CITE</a>, CCC National Assembly candidate Pashor Sibanda said on Saturday, the police notified them their rally had been cancelled to pave the way for ZANU PF’s rally. Said Sibanda:
<blockquote>
The Police have cancelled our by-election rally which was scheduled for tomorrow (Sunday). They have cancelled because ZANU PF has also scheduled their rally at the same venue.
</blockquote>
Contacted for comment by CITE, ZRP spokesperson, Assitant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he was not aware of the scheduled rally. He said:
<blockquote>
As far as we are concerned here, we are not aware of the so-called rally. As far as I am concerned, we don’t have any information at national level because these are the issues handled at local level or at district level and normally they are not obliged to inform us at national level when some of these things happen.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Police in Masvingo have reportedly surrounded the venue for a CCC scheduled for this Sunday, despite granting the opposition party the green light to host the event just two days ago.
Armed anti-riot police officers were reportedly deployed outside Masvingo Car Park Grounds where recalled Ward 2 councillor and former Masvingo Mayor Shantiel Yeukai Chiwara was scheduled to hold her last by-election rally.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police "Block" CCC Cowdray Park Rally To Allow ZANU PF To Hold Its Election Campaign

ZANU PF has enlisted the support of war veterans and collaborators to campaign for their candidate, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Pedzai_Sakupwanya/">Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya</a> to secure victory in the Mabvuku-Tafara constituency during the upcoming by-elections on December 9.
Sakupwanya, an ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, previously contested the seat but lost to Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi from the Citizens Coalitions for Change (CCC) party in the disputed August 23 elections.
Godwills Masimirembwa, the ZANU PF Harare provincial chairperson who is leading the campaign, stated that campaigning is in full swing. He told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200020242/zanu-pf-ropes-in-war-vets-for-sakupwanyas-campaign">NewsDay</a>:
<blockquote>
We have deployed 1 200 party members who are all over the ground campaigning for our Mabvuku-Tafara candidate Scott.
Everyone has been put on board to campaign for our candidate — central committee members, district members, politburo members, war veterans and collaborators are also part of the campaign team and everyone is free to come and campaign but should follow party protocol.
We as a province are geared to win the constituency. We are doing everything possible to assist our candidate.
</blockquote>
War veterans have historically played a significant role in ZANU PF campaigns, often involved in violent attacks against opposition parties. The lead-up to the by-elections has been marred by the kidnapping and murder of a CCC activist, Tapfumaneyi Masaya, who was abducted while campaigning for Kufahakutizwi.
Some ZANU PF activists have expressed concerns about the party’s campaign strategy, but Masimirembwa dismissed their complaints, attributing them to attempts to cause confusion within the party. The campaign team also includes shadowy groups and the youth league, with the involvement of politburo members Charles Tawengwa, Douglas Mahiya, Tendai Chirau, and Andy Mhlanga.
The by-election is taking place because Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi, who won the seat in the previous elections held on August 23-24, 2023, was recalled, allegedly for ceasing to belong to the CCC party. The recall was initiated by Sengezo Tshabangu, who claims to be the interim Secretary-General of the CCC party. However, some officials from the CCC party dispute Tshabangu’s membership and believe that he is being used by ZANU PF as part of their plan to secure a two-thirds majority in parliament. Tshabangu has recalled scores of CCC Parliamentarians and councillors.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ZANU PF Enlists War Vets To Campaign For Scott Sakupwanya Ahead Of Mabvuku-Tafara By-election

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has printed ballot papers for the 09 December 2023 local authority by-elections, reported <a href="https://cite.org.zw/zec-prints-ballot-papers-for-dec-by-elections/">CITE</a>.
In a notice, ZEC Chief Election Officer Utloile Silaigwana said that 99 150 ballot papers with a 6.6% contingency have been prepared.
The number of eligible voters for the local authority by-elections stands at 93 016. Said Silaigwana:
<blockquote>
It is hereby notified, in terms of section 52A (2) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13], that for purposes of the by-elections to be held on the 9 of December 2023, Printing and Minting Company of Zimbabwe Pvt (Ltd) located at No. 1 George Drive, Msasa, Harare, was given the mandate to print ballot papers to be used for the Local Authority by-elections. A total of Ninety-nine thousand one hundred and fifty (99 150) Local Authority ballot papers have been printed for the conduct of the by-elections.
</blockquote>
He said ZEC has also printed 2 850 ballot papers for the Chinhoyi Ward 2 by-election scheduled for 02 December.
The participation of recalled Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) representatives remains uncertain as Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-proclaimed interim secretary general of the CCC, who recalled them, has filed an urgent High Court application seeking to have their names removed from the ballot paper.
Tshabangu insists that the former representatives are no longer CCC members and should be disqualified from representing the party in the upcoming by-elections.
The High Court has yet to rule on the matter.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZEC Prints Ballot Papers For December Local Government By-elections

A ZANU PF member in Matabeleland South Province assigned to the Beitbridge West constituency’s ongoing campaign for the 09 December by-elections died on Saturday while on a campaign trail.
The deceased identified as Sister Moyo Bhebhe, was reportedly taken to Beitbridge Hospital after complaining that she was not feeling well but died soon after admission.
Her death was also announced in a ZANU PF WhatsApp group. The message that was posted in the WhatsApp group on Saturday seen by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200020136/zanu-pf-official-dies-on-campaign-trail">NewsDay</a>, read:
<blockquote>
Comrades, this is both painful and energy-sapping. We were with this sister in the Ward 14 programme in Beitbridge West.
Yesterday, (Friday) we left her at the command centre. Today (Saturday) we went with her but she appeared unwell.
We tried convincing her to remain behind but she insisted on going to the programme.
When we knocked off, she showed signs of stress and we took her to hospital where all failed with her blood sugar level reported high, above 40. It is too hot here (in Beitbridge).
To us it’s painful but her courage to die on duty is worth all respect. For us who were with her, it has badly impacted us. But this is a heroine who has gone.
</blockquote>
The deceased was campaigning for the ZANU PF candidate for Beitbridge West Thusani Ndou who lost to CCC’s Morgan Ncube in the 23-24 August 2023 Harmonised Elections.
CCC leader Nelson Chamisa’s preferred candidate, Morgan Ncube, who was recalled in October by party activist <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Sengezo_Tshabangu">Sengezo Tshabangu</a>, who declared himself CCC interim secretary general, will contest again. Tshabangu’s candidate is Blessing Choeni.
Other candidates for Beitbridge West by-elections are Blessing Brendan Dube an independent and Thoriso Moyo, the only female candidate, from ZAPU.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF Member Dies On Campaign Trail

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate for Mabvuku-Tafara in the 09 December 2023 by-elections, Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi has approached the High Court seeking to compel the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to give him a polling station-based voters’ roll for the constituency.
This was confirmed by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) in a statement posted on X. It said:
<blockquote>
At Harare High Court, we have challenged ZEC’s refusal to furnish Mabvuku-Tafara parliamentary candidate Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi for next month’s by-elections, with a polling station-based voters’ roll.
In an urgent court application filed by our lawyer Obey Shava, we asked the High Court to compel ZEC to release and hand over the voters’ roll to Kufahakutizwi within 48 hours.
Our court challenge came after numerous attempts seeking the release of the voters’ roll by Kufahakutizwi, one of the participating candidates in next month’s by-elections, were turned down by ZEC.
</blockquote>
By-elections will be held in Beitbridge West, Binga North, Bulawayo South, Cowdray Park, Lobengula-Magwegwe, Lupane East, Mabvuku-Tafara, Mpopoma-Mzilikazi and Nketa constituencies.
CCC won all the nine constituencies in the 23-24 August 2023 general elections. But in October, CCC activist <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Sengezo_Tshabangu">Sengezo Tshabangu</a> recalled the legislators after declaring himself the party’s interim secretary general.
Tshabangu subsequently recalled more MPs and councillors and the number of CCC representatives he has recalled to date stands at 27 MPs, 14 senators, and 69 councillors.
Meanwhile, Tshabangu has since filed an urgent High Court application seeking to bar recalled CCC legislators and councillors who successfully filed their nomination papers to contest in the 09 December by-elections.
Tshabangu, through his lawyer Advocate Lewis Uriri, argued that the recalled CCC members had ceased to be members of CCC and therefore could not represent the same party in the by-elections.
However, in July 2023, the High Court dismissed an appeal by CCC against <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/06/26/ccc-sues-41-fraudulent-candidates/">forty-one (41) individuals who fraudulently filed nomination papers as members of the party.</a>
The CCC claimed that 20 of the “fraudsters” filed nomination papers for National Assembly seats while the other 21 individuals filed for local authority seats.
High Court Judge Justice Neville Wamambo dismissed the appeal application saying the papers had nothing suspicious.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/18/president-mnangagwa-reverses-the-appointment-of-general-valerio-sibanda-to-zanu-pf-politburo/">Pindula News</a>

ZEC Refuses To Give CCC Mabvuku-Tafara Candidate Polling Station-based Voters' Roll

<a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Sengezo_Tshabangu">Sengezo Tshabangu</a> has filed an urgent High Court application seeking to bar recalled Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislators and councillors who successfully filed their nomination papers to contest in the 09 December by-elections, reported <a href="https://cite.org.zw/tshabangu-seeks-court-order-to-bar-recalled-ccc-from-by-elections/">CITE</a>.
The self-styled CCC interim secretary general through his lawyer Advocate Lewis Uriri argued that the recalled CCC members had ceased to be members of CCC and therefore could not represent the same party in the by-elections. Uriri said:
<blockquote>
We can confirm that the application is being filed, remember that these people were recalled by the CCC.
They challenged their recall in the High Court, the High Court upheld their recall.
As a result, we know for a fact that they ceased to be members of parliament on account of their recall by CCC.
They then proceeded to file nomination papers under CCC, the very same party that had recalled them. Our law knows no such absurdity.
The party that recalled them did not sign their nomination papers, they were improperly nominated and we will be seeking that they be expunged from the list of those who nominated such that they would not be on the ballot paper.
</blockquote>
CCC lawyer Obey Shava said he was yet to receive the court papers. He said:
<blockquote>
I am going to look for the court papers and see the basis of their application only then will I be in a position to formulate an opinion after consulting my client.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, ahead of the 23 August harmonised elections, the courts refused to entertain the Nelson Chamisa-led CCC’s petition on a similar case.
In July 2023, the High Court dismissed an appeal by CCC against <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/06/26/ccc-sues-41-fraudulent-candidates/">forty-one (41) individuals who fraudulently filed nomination papers as members of the party.</a>
The CCC claimed that 20 of the “fraudsters” filed nomination papers for National Assembly seats while the other 21 individuals filed for local authority seats.
However, High Court Judge Justice Neville Wamambo dismissed the appeal application saying the papers had nothing suspicious.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/18/president-mnangagwa-reverses-the-appointment-of-general-valerio-sibanda-to-zanu-pf-politburo/">Pindula News</a>

Tshabangu Seeks Court Order Barring Recalled CCC MPs, Councillors From By-elections

The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa has released a list of its candidates for the 09 December 2023 by-elections.
CCC’s self-styled interim secretary general <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Sengezo_Tshabangu">Sengezo Tshabangu</a>, who triggered the by-elections after recalling the party’s MPs, sponsored parallel candidates in eight of the nine National Assembly constituencies that will be contested.
In a statement released on Sunday, 19 November, CCC said:
<blockquote>
Dear Citizens of Zimbabwe, the following candidates are the genuine candidates of the authentic opposition party, CCC, who were illegally recalled by ZANU PF and its imposter. Please vote for them in the upcoming by-elections.
</blockquote>
The CCC candidates are listed below:
Bulawayo Metropolitan Province:
Bulawayo South: Watson Nicola Jane (F) CCC
Cowdray Park: Sibanda Pashor Raphael (M) CCC
Lobengula-Magwegwe: Gono Erec (M) CCC
Mpopoma-Mzilikazi: Makaza Desmond (M) CCC
Nketa: Manduna Obert (M) CCC
Harare Metropolitan Province:
Mabvuku-Tafara: Kufahakutizwi Munyaradzi Febion (M) CCC
Matabeleland North Province:
Binga North: Sibanda Dubeko Prince (M) CCC
Lupane East: Vanya Moyo Bright (M) CCC
Matabeleland South Province:
Beitbridge West: Ncube Morgan (M) CCC
Meanwhile, the candidates sponsored by Tshabangu are as follows: Tendai Chitura Nyathi (Lobengula-Magwegwe), James Sithole (Bulawayo South), Vusimuzi Chirwa (Cowdray Park), Charles Moyo (Mpopoma-Mzilikazi), Ambrose Sibindi (Nketa), Judith Sibanda (Binga North), Davis Nyathi (Lupane East), and Blessing Choeni (Beitbridge West).
Tshabangu did not field a candidate for Mabvuku-Tafara in Harare where the race will be between two candidates Munyaradzi Febion Kufahakutizwi (CCC) and Pedzai Sakupwanya (ZANU PF).
Choeni (Beitbridge West), recently announced he had withdrawn his candidature because he was “not advised” when enlisted to participate in the by-elections.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/18/president-mnangagwa-reverses-the-appointment-of-general-valerio-sibanda-to-zanu-pf-politburo/">Pindula News</a>

LIST: Nelson Chamisa's CCC Candidates For 09 December By-elections

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) says preparations for the 09 December 2023 by-elections are now at an advanced stage.
This comes after ZEC recently announced the list of candidates who were duly nominated for election to the National Assembly.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/by-election-preps-on-course-zec/">The Herald</a>, ZEC deputy chairperson <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Rodney_Kiwa">Rodney Kiwa</a> said the elections management body is adequately prepared for the elections. Said Kiwa:
<blockquote>
Preparations of the December 9 elections are now at an advanced stage and ZEC has now released the list preliminary polling stations. We are adequately prepared for the elections.
</blockquote>
Last week, ZEC gazetted 513 preliminary polling stations that will be used in the by-elections, with the final list of polling stations set to be published on polling day.
In all, but one of the nine constituencies, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has nominated two candidates.
By-elections will be held in Beitbridge West, Binga North, Bulawayo South, Cowdray Park, Lobengula-Magwegwe, Lupane East, Mabvuku-Tafara, Mpopoma-Mzilikazi and Nketa constituencies.
CCC won all the nine constituencies in the 23-24 August 2023 general elections. But in October, CCC activist <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Sengezo_Tshabangu">Sengezo Tshabangu</a> recalled the legislators after declaring himself the party’s interim secretary general.
Tshabangu subsequently recalled more MPs and councillors and the number of CCC representatives he has recalled to date stands at 27 MPs, 14 senators, and 69 councillors.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/18/president-mnangagwa-reverses-the-appointment-of-general-valerio-sibanda-to-zanu-pf-politburo/">Pindula News</a>

Preparations For By-elections At An Advanced Stage - ZEC

<a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Sengezo_Tshabangu">Sengezo Tshabangu’s</a> Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate for Beitbridge West in the 09 December 2023 by-elections, Blessing Choeni, has withdrawn his candidature.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200019706/tshabangus-beitbridge-west-horse-bolts">NewsDay</a> reported that Choeni claimed that he was “not advised” when enlisted to participate in the by-elections.
Choeni is considered a political maverick after he abandoned ZANU PF to join the Freezim Congress of Zimbabwe and later attempted to return to ZANU PF.
A cross-border trader, Choeni reportedly left Joseph Busha’s Free Zim Congress after a fallout over some financial issues.
He left ZANU PF after unsuccessfully trying to unseat a long-time Beitbridge former councillor for Mtetengwe, Alderman Bhaureni Muleya.
Morgan Ncube, who was recalled by Tshabangu in October, is now the only CCC candidate on the ballot in Beitbridge West while Thusani Ndou will represent ZANU PF.
Choeni told NewsDay that he is backing Ncube as he is the candidate supported by the party’s leader, Nelson Chamisa. He said:
<blockquote>
I resigned because I didn’t want to split the votes for our CCC party. I am a follower of Chamisa and will not contest against a candidate approved by the party president.
</blockquote>
Choeni, however, could not explain why he accepted Tshabangu’s request for him to register and present himself at the nomination court which sat in Gwanda.
Meanwhile, addressing mourners gathered in Mabvuku at the funeral wake of slain party activist Tapfumaneyi Masaya on Friday, Chamisa accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa of instigating the recall of CCC legislators and councillors by Tshabangu. He said:
<blockquote>
This is not about Tshabangu. He is not the problem. The real creator is Mr Mnangagwa. He is the one who is at the centre of it.
Why? Because he would not have rushed to declare the elections when he knew that the recalls were a criminal act.
The recalls are criminal and fraudulent. We will fight the recalls and illegalities. Of course, the courts have their limitations but we will leave no stone unturned.
We are doing everything we can, politically, diplomatically and legally to make sure we exhaust all avenues. There is no need for by-elections to be held in this country.
</blockquote>
In October 2023, Tshabangu declared himself <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://wiki.pindula.co.zw/CCC" title="CCC">CCC</a> Interim Secretary General and successfully recalled 15 Members of Parliament and 17 Councillors.
Tshabangu recently recalled 13 CCC lawmakers from the National Assembly and 5 from the Senate. By-elections are set to be conducted in due course to replace the 8 MPs recalled from the National Assembly.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/18/president-mnangagwa-reverses-the-appointment-of-general-valerio-sibanda-to-zanu-pf-politburo/">Pindula News</a>

Tshabangu's Beitbridge West Candidate Withdraws

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)’s councillor for Masvingo’s Ward 4, Mr Aleck Tabe, has been elected as the new mayor of Masvingo City. He has replaced the outgoing mayor, Shantiel Yeukai Chiwara, who was recalled by Sengezo Tshabangu who claims to be the CCC’s interim Secretary General.
Tabe was nominated by Councillor Alaika Time, seconded by Councillor Bernard Muchokwa. Councillor Sharon Marombedze of ZANU PF nominated herself and was seconded by Councillor Sengerayi Manyanga.
Tabe received 10 votes out of 12 and has already been sworn in by the Acting Town Clerk, Mr. Vitalis Shonhai. After his election, Mayor Tabe expressed gratitude for the opportunity and promised to serve with excellence, the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/new-masvingo-city-mayor-elected/">Chronicle</a> reported. He said:
<blockquote>
We intend to provide excellent services, including appropriate water supply, garbage collection, and many other essential services that the public requires.
We guarantee that we will restore and uphold order in the city.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Shantiel_Chiwara/">Shantiel Yeukai Chiwara</a> is seeking re-election in the upcoming Ward 2 by-election following her short-lived stint as Masvingo City mayor.
She was the first young female elected mayor before Tshabangu recalled her arguing that she had ceased to belong to the CCC party. Councillor Daniel Mberikunashe has been carrying out mayoral duties in an acting capacity.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

New Masvingo Mayor Elected And Sworn In

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has announced the names of candidates who were duly nominated for election to the National Assembly in their respective constituencies in the by-elections scheduled for the 9th of December 2023.
ZEC Chief Elections Officer, Utjoile Silagwana said the Nomination Courts sat on Tuesday, 7th November 2023. Added the electoral body:
<blockquote>
 Accordingly, polling shall take place on Saturday 9th December, 2023, from 0700 hours to 0700 hours for the purposes of electing members of the National Assembly in the constituencies. 
</blockquote>
Bulawayo South: 
i). Modi Rajeshkumari (M) ZANU PF
ii). Sithole James (M) CCC
iii). Watson Nicola Jane (F) CCC
Cowdray Park:
i). Chirwa Vusumuzi (M) CCC
ii). Mujeyi Aurther (M) ZANU PF
iii). Sibanda Pashor Raphael (M) CCC
Lobengula-Magwegwe:
i). Dube Menziwa (M) ZANU PF
ii). Gono Erec (M) CCC
iii). Nyathi Tendayi Chitura (M) CCC
Mpopoma- Mzilikazi
i). Kamamba Dzingai (M) ZANU PF
ii). Makaza Desmond (M) CCC
iii). Moyo Charles (M) CCC
iv). Sibanda Blessings (M) DOP
v). Tapfumaneyi Pardon (M) INDEPENDENT
Nketa:
i). Gwetu Luckmore (M) DOP
ii). Manduna Obert (M) CCC
iii). Mavunga Albert Tawanda (M) ZANU PF
iv) Sibindi Ambrose (M) CCC
Harare Metropolitan Province
Mabvuku-Tafara:
i). Kufahakutizwi Munyaradzi Febion (M) CCC
ii). Sakupwanya Pedzai (M) ZANU PF
Matabeleland North Province
Binga North:
i). Muchimba Chineke (M) ZANU PF
ii). Sibanda Dubeko Prince (M) CCC
iii). Sibanda Judith (F) CCC
Lupane East:
i. Machangu Phathisiwe (F) ZANU PF
ii). Nyathi David (M) CCC
iii). Vanya Moyo Bright (M) CCC 
  
Matabeleland South Province
Beitbridge West:
i). Choeni Blessing (M) CCC
ii). Dube Blessing Brendan (M) INDEPENDENT
iii) Moyo Thoriso (F) ZAPU
iv). Ncube Morgan (M) CCC
v). Ndou Thusani (M) ZANU PF
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