Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) confirmed their commitment to attending future parliamentary sessions, emphasizing their responsibility to represent the electorate that voted for them. This confirmation comes a week after the party members deliberately avoided the State of the Nation Address (SONA) and the inauguration of the 10th Parliament’s first session led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Following CCC’s absence, the Parliament’s Speaker urged the Minister of Justice to find appropriate provisions in the Political Parties Finance Act to reprimand the opposing members for their actions.
During a three-day parliamentary induction seminar held in Harare, CCC’s chief whip, Amos Chibaya, highlighted the absence of any clause in the Political Parties Finance Act that enacts penalties on political parties for such boycotts. He stated, “We will assuredly attend parliament to represent our supporters who elected us, even after a questionable election. Our actions abide by the country’s constitution, and as for the Political Parties Finance Act, I find no correlation with our boycott.”
Clarifying CCC’s presence at the seminar, Chibaya emphasized its purpose as an induction for members to understand their roles and responsibilities better. He differentiated it from the day the parliament was officially initiated by President Mnangagwa.
Responding to criticisms about CCC attending Parliament for financial gains, Chibaya expressed agreement with the August House rules. He noted, “If one doesn’t attend parliament, they shouldn’t anticipate receiving allowances or other benefits. For instance, without attendance, one cannot expect fuel coupons or hotel bookings under parliament.”
