Overview

• Zimbabwe is holding special elections for nine parliamentary seats after opposition lawmakers were removed from their positions and disqualified from running again.
• The opposition, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), claims this is an illegal push by the ruling ZANU-PF party to bolster its parliamentary majority and possibly change the constitution.
• The removal of the opposition lawmakers was initiated by an official claiming to be the secretary-general of the CCC, whose authority was recognized by Zimbabwean courts.
• The CCC has accused ZANU-PF of using the courts to increase its control in Parliament and decimate the opposition.
• Rights groups and the U.S. State Department have criticized the actions of the ZANU-PF, accusing it of undermining democracy in Zimbabwe.