By Staff Reporter
Harare East legislator Allan Rusty Markham has announced his resignation from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party and his departure from Parliament.
In a letter addressed to Harare East residents, Markham expressed deep concern over the perceived shutdown of the democratic space in the country, citing recent events within the CCC as a catalyst for his decision.
“For a long time now, I have been grappling with the issues pertaining to the shutdown of the democratic space in Zimbabwe.
“This has led to a lot of soul-searching pertaining to the future. Recent events within the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party have pushed me to make the firm decision that I no longer represent the CCC in any form whatsoever. I believe that the party has been infiltrated to the extent that it does not represent what I stand for.
“The choreographed support by the Judiciary and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to the self-appointed and unknown Interim Secretary-General is a testament to how desperate the regime wants to shut down the democratic space. I, therefore, reiterate that I cannot be and will not be associating with anything to do with the CCC from here on,” wrote Markham
Highlighting the parlous state of the democratic process in Parliament, Markham lamented its transformation into a mere formality, devoid of meaningful oversight over the Executive.
He described the stakeholder engagement on the budget as a mere rubber stamp exercise, further fueling his decision to step down as a Member of Parliament.
Markham’s resignation letter, submitted on Friday, the 2nd of February, underlines his unwavering commitment to the residents and stakeholders of Harare East.
He expressed gratitude to those who supported him and believed in his cause. While severing ties with the CCC, Markham reassured the public that he will continue working for the betterment of communities and the country at large.
Markham like Advocate Fadzayi Mahere who also resigned from Parliament affirmed his allegiance to Nelson Chamisa the former CCC president.
