Kwekwe rights defender urges respect of Chamisa’s constitutional political rights
By Staff Reporter
Kwekwe based human rights defender Makesure Bambo Choga says he is deeply concerned and marveled by recent public statements attributed to the imposed CCC secretary, Tshabangu, in which he allegedly threatened Mr. Nelson Chamisa with court action should he choose to form a new political movement or party.
The claim that Mr. Chamisa would still be legally bound as his leader, even after exercising his political choice, raises serious constitutional and democratic concerns.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe is very clear and unambiguous on matters of political freedom and association. Section 67(2)(a) of the Constitution guarantees every Zimbabwean the right “to form, to join and to participate in the activities of a political party or organisation of their choice.”
Choga said this right is personal, voluntary, and cannot be imposed, restricted, or reversed through threats or coercive litigation.
Further, Section 58(1) of the Constitution guarantees freedom of assembly and association, stating that “every person has the right to freedom of assembly and association, and the right not to associate with others.”
“This provision explicitly protects the right to disengage from any association or political formation without fear of punishment, intimidation, or legal harassment,” said Choga.
He added any attempt to threaten, intimidate, or legally coerce an individual for exercising these constitutionally protected rights amounts to a direct violation of the Constitution and undermines democratic principles.
” Political leadership cannot be imposed through threats, nor can allegiance be enforced through courts where constitutional freedoms are clear,” said Choga.
“Zimbabwe’s democracy depends on respect for the Constitution, tolerance of political plurality, and the protection of individual political choices.”
Weaponizing the legal system according to critics to restrict constitutional freedoms sets a dangerous precedent and erodes public confidence in democratic institutions.
Critics including Choga say all political actors are therefore urged to respect the Constitution of Zimbabwe and to uphold the rights and freedoms it guarantees to every citizen, regardless of political affiliation or standing.
