Chamisa Says Mnangagwa, Tshabangu Behind ‘Illegal’ CCC Recalls

Former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa has accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the party’s de facto leader, Sengezo Tshabangu, of engineering the recall of CCC legislators, which he described as illegal.

Chamisa said the recalls ultimately handed ZANU PF a “fraudulent” two-thirds parliamentary majority, in clear violation of both the law and democratic principles.

Tshabangu’s recalls of opposition MPs and councillors were pivotal in helping ZANU PF secure a two‑thirds majority in the National Assembly — a threshold that allows constitutional amendments without opposition consent.

Tshabangu, claiming to be the CCC’s interim secretary‑general, initiated a series of recalls beginning in October 2023, arguing that certain MPs and councillors no longer represented the party.

The Speaker of Parliament, aligned with ZANU-PF, accepted these recalls. Each recall triggered by‑elections, which ZANU-PF contested aggressively.

Because the CCC was divided and disorganised, ZANU-PF won most of the vacant seats.

“Unfortunately, when the recalls began, many failed to recognise that this was part of a long-planned strategy orchestrated by ED,” said Chamisa.

“It was never about the claims that the CCC lacked a constitution or formal structures. In Zimbabwe, you can not submit party candidates to ZEC without a party constitution.

“Parliament and Mudenda were in possession of CCC constitution but chose to ignore it on instructions from his [ZANU-PF] Boss. Those no constitution and nil structures narratives were merely a smokescreen.”

Chamisa said some party members celebrated the recalls because of personal disagreements with him, unaware they were actually celebrating the erosion of democracy and the weakening of the nation.

“The foundation for the current constitutional amendment agenda was laid in 2023 through those engineered and unlawful recalls,” he said:

Chamisa, however, maintained that all was not lost and that the real struggle lay ahead, though he did not elaborate on what he meant.

“The task before us is to continue fighting for a Citizens’ Government—one that reflects the true will and aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe,” said Chamisa.

“The future of our country depends on the determination of its citizens to defend voice, agency and fundamental rights.”

Related:

Togarepi: Secret Ballot In Parliament Undermines Accountability Mbofana: Tshabangu Defence Of CAB 3 Follows “ZANU PF Script”