Markham speaks on decision to stand down

Diana Nherera Suburban Reporter

Former Harare East Member of Parliament Mr Allan Markham said the decision to stand down from the legislature was not an easy one.

In a statement, Mr Markham said like any other registered voter, he has considered the choices available and will exercise his democratic right in the by-elections, to fill the vacancy his resignation created in the constituency, on April 27th.

“I have previously shared my deep commitment to affairs of our constituency and the decision to stand down was not an easy one for me.

“It is done and like every other registered voter, I have considered the choices available and will exercise my democratic right in the by-election,” he said.

Mr Markham said he has met with the aspiring MP for the area, Ropafadzo Cynthia Cheza, who is running as an independent in the April 27 by-election.

“I have had the opportunity to meet with the independent candidate, Ropafadzo Cynthia Cheza at her request. I am pleased with the intent and knowledge that Cynthia brings to the table which, in my view makes her a sound choice for our representative for the 10th Parliament,” said Mr Markham.

He said he is happy and available to assist and will continue to participate in the community’s affairs.

Mr Markham resigned from Parliament in February this year.

In a statement after his resignation Mr Markham said he believed the party that he was elected under, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) had been infiltrated to an extent that it no longer  represented what he stands for.

“I therefore reiterate that I cannot be and will not be associating with anything to do with the CCC from here on.

“Further to the above, the democratic space in Parliament has been shut down completely.

“Parliament has been rendered into a ‘tick the box’ institution and has no oversight at all over the executive Ministries.

“Stakeholder engagement on the budget was also a rubber stamp exercise.

“After consultation with residents and hearing both sides of the argument (to remain or leave Parliament), I have opted to leave Parliament as my conscience will not allow me to remain as a Member of Parliament,” read the statement.

Despite Mr Markham’s assertions over the independence of Parliament, a huge number of CCC MPs remain members of the legislature and belong to various committees which play an oversight role over the executive.

CCC MPs chair some of the committees.

Parliament passed the 2024 National Budget with amendments on proposals such as the property tax and sugar tax following representations from the constituencies made by MPs and those from business and other stakeholders.

Only Mr Markham and former Mt Pleasant MP Fadzayi Mahere quit Parliament to follow former CCC leader Mr Nelson Chamisa who also quit the opposition party but the rest of the MPs, councillors and mayors remain holding their seats with the exception of those who were recalled by Mr Sengezo Tshabangu for deviating from the opposition party’s principles.

Mr Markham was elected in the August 2023 harmonised elections replacing Mr Tendai Biti, another opposition leader.

Previously Mr Markham represented Harare North in Parliament and was also Councillor for Ward 18 in Harare. Harare East replaced Harare North following the reconfiguration of ward and constituency boundaries during the delimitation exercise in preparation for last year’s parliamentary elections.

In her manifesto, Ms Cheza said if elected, she will prioritise mental health, education, roads and security.

“I am committed to listening to the concerns of our constituents, engaging with community stakeholders and advocating for policies that will improve the lives of all residents.

“I am running for office because I believe that together we can build a brighter future for our community.

“I am excited about the opportunity to serve as your representative and to work collaboratively with you to address our shared challenge and achieve our common goals,” she said.

Ms Cheza said she has met Mr Markham and is working hand in glove with him for a better community.