Nearly two months following the departure of Fadzai Mahere, the Citizens Coalition for Change representative for Mt Pleasant, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially declared the parliamentary seats open for by-elections.

Rutendo Maraire

Mahere tendered her resignation in the wake of CCC leader Nelson Chamisa's announcement to exit the party, citing interference from the ruling Zanu-PF party.

President Mnangagwa has scheduled the by-elections for April 26, with the nomination court set to convene on March 26 at the Harare Magistrates Court, according to a recently issued proclamation.

“By the authority vested in me as President, I hereby proclaim new elections for the Harare East and Mount Pleasant constituencies to be held, setting March 26, 2024, as the date for the nomination court to convene,” the proclamation stated.

Allan Markham Rusty of Harare East also stepped down from his position, alongside Mahere.

The resignation of both MPs, effective February 20, 2024, vacated the seats for Harare East and Mount Pleasant, as specified under section 129(1)(b) of the Zimbabwean Constitution.

Markham had taken over the Harare East seat from former Finance Minister Tendai Biti, securing victory in the harmonized elections held on August 23.

Their resignations were seen as acts of solidarity with Nelson Chamisa, emphasizing their continued allegiance.

In his resignation, Markham committed to maintaining his engagement with the community and support for Chamisa, stating, “I will continue to work with the residents and stakeholders as before for the benefit of our communities and the country. To be clear, I stand firmly with Advocate Nelson Chamisa.”

Mahere also shared her gratitude towards her constituents and elaborated on her decision to step down.

Both were officially inducted as members of Parliament for the CCC on September 7, 2023.

Mahere expressed her sentiments, saying, “Thank you, Mt Pleasant Constituency, for your trust in me. Despite the deep sadness over what we could have achieved together for a better Mt Pleasant, I have resigned from Parliament and will no longer serve as a CCC member.