Zimbabwe Opposition Seek Legal Redress Over Alleged Seat Loss.

Fifteen opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) in Zimbabwe have taken legal action, contesting the loss of their parliamentary seats, which they claim resulted from a fraudulent letter.

According to an online report, the MPs lost their seats after an individual falsely representing himself as the secretary of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Zimbabwe's main opposition party, sent a letter declaring that the MPs were no longer party members.

Upon receiving this fabricated letter, the Zimbabwe parliamentary speaker, Jacob Mudenda, declared the 15 seats vacant.

This move sparked concerns that resultant by-elections could potentially give the ruling party, Zanu-PF, the majority it needs to amend the constitution.

The letter in question, dated Monday, was said to be signed by an unidentified named Sengezo Tshabangu, claiming to be the secretary-general of the CCC. 

However, CCC leader, Nelson Chamisa was said to have promptly requested Speaker Mudenda to disregard the letter, emphasizing that the party had no secretary-general and had not expelled or recalled any Members of the Parliament. 

In the letter sent to the speaker, the actions of Mr Tshabangu were condemned by Chamisa as a violation of the law and a criminal act.

Despite Chamisa's appeal, Speaker Mudenda, who is affiliated with Zanu-PF, proceeded to declare the 15 seats vacant, officially notifying the electoral commission.

In response, the affected CCC MPs have filed a court appeal, challenging the legitimacy of their seat losses.