Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC), an opposition led by Nelson Chamisa, has said that Zimbabwe will imminently hold another election under the guidance of a transitional authority led by the SADC.
This transitional authority will oversee the electoral process with the involvement of an “independent and professional” electoral body, according to the opposition party.
This announcement comes in the aftermath of the disputed August general election, which was criticized by regional and international electoral observer missions including the SADC, AU (African Union), EU (European Union), Commonwealth, and Carter Center in their preliminary reports.
The opposition has characterized the previous polls as a “gigantic fraud” and has consistently called for fresh polls.
However, these demands have been met with skepticism and dismissal by the ruling party, Zanu PF, and its allied groups.
In a post on X, the opposition spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi wrote: “Mnangagwa will be dragged to a fresh, free & fair election kicking & screaming. A fresh election is inevitable. Let us use every peaceful & democratic means available & permissible to bring forth the elections.
“A fresh election beyond Mnangagwa’s wishes. The decision to conduct a fresh election in Zimbabwe is not Mr. Mnangagwa’s decision. It is a decision of all stakeholders in Zimbabwe and the region.”
“As @CCCZimbabwe, we have already refused to accept the result. President @nelsonchamisa and his chief election agent did not sign off those sham results,” Mkwananzi said.
He further emphasized that Chamisa had already expressed his belief that the current governing body is operating under an unlawful and illegitimate interim de facto arrangement.
Chamisa made it clear that peaceful methods would be employed to ensure a fair re-election takes place.
“Our focus is on organising and mobilizing towards a fresh election which will have to come through a transitional authority shepherded by SADC and a new, independent & professional body in place of @ZECzim, Mwanakanzi said.
Recently, War Veterans Affairs Minister Chris Mutsvangwa cautioned against Western interference in the affairs of the SADC.
He also referred to Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema as a puppet.