Zimbabwe Holds Controversial Special Elections Amid Accusations of Undemocratic Practices

Opposition party, Citizens Coalition for Change, alleges ruling party's manipulation of legal system to strengthen its parliamentary majority and potentially alter constitution.

• 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.

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