ZIMBABWE’S DEMOCRACY UNDER ATTACK: CCC BLOCKED FROM BY-ELECTIONS

In Zimbabwe, democracy is in danger. The Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), led by Nelson Chamisa, was stopped from taking part in recent by-elections. This was done by Sengezo Tshabangu, who calls himself the interim secretary-general of CCC. Many people believe this shows that the courts and Parliament are no longer fair. Now, there is fear that people might start protests or refuse to follow the government’s rules.

CCC had been strong in the elections held on 23 and 24 August. The ruling party, Zanu PF, wanted to win two-thirds of Parliament, but CCC made it hard for them. Some CCC members, like Pashor Sibanda in Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park and Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi in Mabvuku-Tafara, won against Zanu PF candidates who had a lot of money. This showed that money alone does not decide who wins. But later, the courts ruled that Sibanda, Kufahakutizwi, and others from CCC could not take part in the by-elections. Many people believe these court decisions were unfair and helped Tshabangu.

Some say President Emmerson Mnangagwa is behind all this. They think he is trying to make Zimbabwe a one-party country, where only Zanu PF has power. Many people still support CCC, but this decision has made them lose hope. Some analysts say Mnangagwa is using the same tricks that the late Robert Mugabe used to stay in power.

Experts like Ibbo Mandaza and Stephen Chan are worried about what is happening. Chan believes CCC needs to take a stronger stand. Rashweat Mukundu, another political expert, says CCC must think about whether it still makes sense to be part of Parliament and local councils if everything is controlled by the ruling party.

Zimbabwe’s politics is now at its worst point in a long time. This could destroy democracy and make the country even more unstable. Many people fear that this will only lead to more problems, and Zimbabweans will suffer the most.