Zimbabwe's Opposition: From Farce to Tragedy in CCC Crisis

Zimbabwe's main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), is facing turmoil ahead of by-elections this weekend. The party, which alleged irregularities in August's election, had still managed to deny President Emmerson Mnangagwa's ruling Zanu-PF party a large majority in parliament. However, the CCC has recently expelled or recalled some of its own members, prompting by-elections. Sengezo Tshabangu, claiming to be the party's interim secretary-general, is behind the expulsions. The CCC leader, Nelson Chamisa, labeled Tshabangu a fake and told the parliamentary Speaker to ignore his letter. However, the Speaker declared vacancies in the constituencies, and President Mnangagwa announced by-elections. Tshabangu has continued to dismiss or recall more CCC members and local councillors. There are allegations that Tshabangu may be a Zanu-PF proxy, although the ruling party denies any involvement. The CCC has a history of division, and the current turmoil may be a result of Chamisa's leadership style. Tensions have risen further due to the death of a CCC campaigner, who was abducted and murdered in November. The CCC has launched an urgent appeal at the Supreme Court to get their candidates back on the ballot for the upcoming by-elections. Zanu-PF has deployed prominent members to campaign in the contested constituencies.