Chamisa demands 'transitional government'

Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has called for the establishment of a transitional government and urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu-PF to withdraw the controversial Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, arguing that it threatens the country's democratic future.

Chamisa made the remarks as Parliament continues debating the proposed constitutional amendments, which would extend the terms of the President, Members of Parliament and local authorities by two years, effectively postponing the next harmonised elections from 2028 to 2030.

Writing on social media platform X, Chamisa said Zimbabweans across the country were expressing growing concern over the nation's direction and the proposed constitutional changes.

"Everywhere I go, I meet Zimbabweans who are worried about the country's direction and future. Regardless of age, profession, or location, many share a deep concern about the path the nation is taking and the dangers the country faces in the context of the unilateral, unpopular and anti-people constitutional amendment," he wrote.

"The wisest thing is to withdraw this #CAB3 from Parliament and constitute a transitional government that will address all the challenges our country faces. It's doable."

Chamisa, who recently signalled his return to active politics after a prolonged period of relative silence following the 2023 elections, did not elaborate on who would lead such a transitional arrangement or the legal framework under which it would be established.

The Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 has emerged as one of the most contentious pieces of legislation in recent years. Among its key provisions is the extension of President Mnangagwa's term by two years, despite constitutional provisions requiring him to leave office in 2028 after serving the maximum two five-year terms.

The Bill also contains proposals that would alter aspects of Zimbabwe's electoral and governance framework, drawing criticism from opposition parties, constitutional experts and some former liberation war veterans.

Despite the opposition, political observers believe the Bill has a strong chance of passing, given Zanu-PF's two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and its significant influence in the Senate.

Chamisa's latest intervention appears closely linked to his longstanding position that the opposition was denied victory in the 2023 general elections.

Earlier this week, he reiterated his claim that the opposition defeated Zanu-PF, citing comments made by Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi during parliamentary debate on the Bill.

Ziyambi acknowledged that Zimbabwe's elections have frequently been characterised by disputes, allegations of rigging and concerns over legitimacy, comments that Chamisa said validated opposition concerns that have been raised over several election cycles.

However, not everyone has welcomed Chamisa's proposal for a transitional government.

Political analyst Tadini Masaya argued that introducing the idea at this stage risks diverting attention from opposition efforts to resist the constitutional amendments.

"Preaching such a gospel at this hour completely confuses the resistance," Masaya said.

"When the enemy is actively breaching the outer wall, you do not send a delegation to discuss sharing the living room."

As parliamentary debate on CAB3 continues, the proposal for a transitional government is likely to add another dimension to an already heated national conversation over constitutional reform, governance and the future of Zimbabwe's political landscape.