Staff ReporterIn a surprising turn of events, Mr. Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-proclaimed interim secretary general of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has announced his readiness to accept a potential victory by the ruling party, Zanu PF, in upcoming by-elections.
During an exclusive interview, Mr. Tshabangu emphasized the integral role of elections within a democratic framework, highlighting the need to embrace and acknowledge the electoral process, especially when conducted under conditions of freedom and fairness, devoid of intimidation and coercion.
“While the primary goal in any contest is to secure victory, it’s a fundamental aspect of the political game to be ready to accept both wins and losses. This is an inherent part of democracy,” stated Mr. Tshabangu.
Expressing his commitment to embracing any election outcome, Mr. Tshabangu underscored the importance of a free and fair electoral process that is accepted by all participants. He aligned his stance with the aspirations of those who had paved the way in previous struggles for democracy in Zimbabwe.
Addressing the broader context, Mr. Tshabangu characterized the upcoming by-elections as an opportunity to lay the foundation for democracy, looking ahead to the 2028 elections. However, he voiced concern about reported voter apathy, noting its historical advantage to his alleged allies in the Zanu-PF camp.
Tshabangu had previously sparked controversy within Zimbabwean political circles with a series of recalls following the August harmonized elections. Many have attributed these recalls to issues surrounding Zanu PF’s failure to secure a two-thirds majority in the August 23 elections.
As the by-elections approach, Mr. Tshabangu’s willingness to accept the electoral outcomes, regardless of the results, sets a notable precedent in Zimbabwean politics. Observers are closely watching to see how this stance will influence the democratic process and the political landscape in the country.
