The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has rejected a donation to its Members of Parliament by controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo describing the gesture as improper, suspicious and ill-timed.
Chivayo over the weekend announced a US$3.6 million donation to all Members of the National Assembly and Senate, saying the funds were intended for constituency development.
The donation has been widely viewed as a ploy to ensure loyalty from MPs so the Constitution Amendment Bill number 3 sails through.
The Bill among other changes proposes an extension of the presidential term from five to seven years and shift of the presidential vote from the public to parliament.
The CCC Parliamentary Caucus in a statement said the timing of the unsolicited gesture raises red flags.
“While Sir Wicknel’s philanthropic activities are a matter of public record, the timing of this unsolicited gesture is deeply troubling. It comes at a highly sensitive moment in our national politics as Parliament prepares to deliberate on Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3. Such actions risk undermining public confidence in the integrity of parliamentary processes,” CCC Chief Whip Charles Moyo said.
“To proceed unilaterally, without engagement, is a breach of basic political protocol and shows disregard for the norms of accountability that citizens demand of their elected representatives.”
He added that the opposition party would not accept the funds.
“Accordingly, the CCC Parliamentary Caucus will not accept this donation. We consider the manner and timing of this offer inappropriate and contrary to the principles of transparent public service.”
Moyo urged Chivayo to engage the party through proper channels if his intentions are genuine.
“Should Sir Wicknel’s intentions be genuine, we demand that he immediately engage the official leadership of the CCC. Any assistance to citizens must be channeled through proper, accountable structures and directed to vulnerable communities, not used as a political spectacle.
“Parliamentarians are not for sale, and the legislative agenda of this nation is not for auction,” added Moyo.
