By Takudzwa Changadeya
The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has urged Secretary General of the African National Congress (ANC), Fikile Mbalula, to refrain from undermining the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) report on ‘Zimbabwe’s sham election.’
Following the general elections which were held from on August 23 to 24, poll observers from SADC reported that particular elements of Zimbabwe’s highly-charged presidential and legislative elections failed to adhere to democratic tenets.
During his meeting on Tuesday with Obert Mpofu, Secretary General of the ruling party ZANU-PF in Harare, Mbalula stated that ZANU-PF’s victory represents the defeat of imperialist puppets, adding that it’s extremely unlikely there will be fresh polls as yearned by the opposition CCC in Zimbabwe.
Mbalula also referred to the leader of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Nelson Chamisa as a puppet of Western powers after Mnangagwa’s election victory in the recently disputed elections.
“We are delighted that Zanu PF emerged victorious here in Zimbabwe because its triumph signifies one thing – the defeat of imperialist puppets,” he said.
In response to Mbalula, CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi said Mbalula’s statements violated democratic values, principles, and pan-Africanism.
“We note with grave concern Mr Mbalula’s bizarre biases and proactive involvement in the ZANU PF political process.
“We urge Mr Mbalula to put back his diplomatic jacket and abstain from doing the bidding for ZANU PF in trying to reverse or undermine the SADC damning report on Zimbabwe’s sham election. Mr Mbalula’s conduct is in violation of the values and principles of democracy, pan- Africanism, and Ubuntu,” he said in a statement.
“We still believe that South Africa must play a key role in resolving the Zimbabwean stalemate, and Mr. Mbalula’s conduct undermines this imperative,” he added.
Zimbabwe must conduct a fresh, unbiased, and fair election endorsed by SADC and AU as the only means to achieve political credibility, Mwakanzi said.
“It is our considered view that Zimbabwe needs to conduct a fresh, free, and fair election underwritten by SADC and AU as the only route towards political stabilization and legitimacy,” he said.
Mwakanzi added that the opposition party will “soon be writing formally to the ANC to remonstrate on this issue.”
