Self-declared Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu has reportedly assured lawmakers loyal to his faction that he has secured a deal to keep them in Parliament beyond 2028 as part of a proposed government of national unity.
Tshabangu made the announcement on Wednesday during a caucus meeting at Parliament, attended by 20 MPs and senators aligned with him.
At the same time, a separate CCC caucus led by factional leader Jameson Timba drew 45 legislators in Harare, highlighting the deep divisions within the opposition party.
Tshabangu is backing a controversial Zanu PF initiative to delay the 2028 general elections an outcome that would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term by two years.
He argued that national dialogue is necessary to address the political fallout from the disputed August 2023 elections, which saw former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa reject the results over claims of electoral fraud.
Following Chamisa’s departure, Tshabangu took control of the CCC and orchestrated the recall of several party MPs and councillors. The possibility of postponing elections was a central topic at his caucus meeting, where attendees unanimously supported the proposed delay.
In a statement, Tshabangu’s faction emphasized the need for “constructive engagement” with government and key stakeholders to support long-term development goals and national stability beyond 2028.
“The caucus reaffirmed the party’s commitment to a genuine national dialogue process aimed at establishing an inclusive government of national unity,” the statement read.
Tshabangu also pledged to champion the welfare of MPs, saying leadership would advocate for better working conditions to enhance their legislative effectiveness.
Timba, however, dismissed Tshabangu’s claims, calling his caucus a failed attempt to hijack CCC leadership.
“Tshabangu’s so-called caucus collapsed like a deck of cards, with just 21 legislators attending,” said Timba. “Our own meeting was well-attended, with 45 MPs present and eight submitting apologies.”
The CCC currently holds around 100 parliamentary seats.
President Mnangagwa has previously denied any interest in extending his term. However, talk of a “2030 agenda” has reportedly caused internal friction within Zanu PF, with some senior members, including war veterans, strongly opposing any attempt to defer the 2028 polls.
