Analysts say the swearing-in of opposition legislators after they earlier rejected the August 23 general election outcome reflects their dishonesty and indecisiveness.
On the 23rd of August Zimbabweans voted in the general elections that saw ZANU PF secure victory, much to the chagrin of opposition outfit Citizens Coalition for Change, who took to social media to reject the outcome of the polls.
However, analysts believe the swearing-in of CCC legislators this Thursday reflects that the opposition agrees with the election process and eventual outcome.
Legal expert, Advocate Fortune Chasi said, “The process today indeed shows that their utterances on social media were just that and they have gone on to show that they agree that the election process was well handled in a free manner and additionally, that they respect the results.”
A political analyst, Dr Leopold Chakanyuka said, “The swearing-in today says that they agree, that they acknowledge the election process that gave them these seats and the victory of ZANU PF and President Emmerson Mnangagwa.”
But what would have happened had the opposition chosen not to be sworn in?
“Had they not been sworn in, business would have honed on. The constitution does not require the opposition in the house, therefore, despite it being healthy for development, business would have proceeded and eventually, by-elections would have been held for those constituencies,” said Advocate Chasi.
ZANU PF won 136 seats in the National Assembly while CCC got 73 seats of the contested 209 seats, with Gutu West constituency set to hold a by-election after the death of an independent candidate before the elections.