IPU deploys delegation to investigate opposition MPs recalls, arrests
By Staff Writer
THE Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has deployed a delegation to investigate the unfair recalls of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MPs and unfair arrests of opposition activists in the country.
This follows the recent decision by the Speaker of Parliament Adv Jacob Mudenda to declare vacancies in 15 constituencies held by the CCC political party at the instruction of a fake letter written by on Sengezo Tshabangu who claims to the former’s interim secretary general.
Despite the CCC leader Nelson Chamisa writing to the Speaker and advising him that Tshabangu is an imposter, parly proceeded to axe the legislators in abrupt defiance of basic principles of natural justice.
The matter has been escalated to the IPU, a global organization composed of national parliaments, with the goal of empowering parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy, and sustainable development.
“In light of the Citizens Coalition for Change’s decision to intensify the unlawful recalls of its 23 MPs and Senators, as well as the unjust and prolonged pre-trial detention of Hon Job Sikhala, these two cases took prominence on the agenda during the latest session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Luanda, Angola.
“To address these issues, a team from the organization has been assigned to visit Zimbabwe and conduct a thorough investigation into the persistent persecution of opposition MPs and the flagrant disregard for the constitution,” said the IPU in a statement.
The IPU, being the highest parliamentary body globally, addressed these pressing issues as key focal points.
The organ also expressed deep concern regarding the ongoing incarceration of Job Sikhala and the illegitimate recalls of our MPs and Senators.
Meanwhile, December 9 has been slated as the date for by-elections to fill the vacancies in a development which experts have described as a ploy by elements working in cahoots with the ruling party to weaken the opposition.
