News / National
'Mnangagwa not using parallel structures'
28 Nov 2024 at 06:42hrs | Views
The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) has strongly condemned a story published by NewsDay alleging that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is employing "parallel structures" to extend his term beyond the constitutional limit of 2028.
In a statement issued last night, Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications, Mr. George Charamba, dismissed the report as "false and malicious," accusing the newspaper of attempting to undermine national cohesion and tarnish the President's image.
"The article falsely and maliciously creates the impression that President Mnangagwa is hell-bent on breaching the national Constitution by extending his term limit ‘via the back door,' beyond what is provided for under the country's supreme law," said Mr. Charamba.
Allegations of Unconstitutional Ambitions
The NewsDay article suggested the President was using "parallel structures" outside Zanu-PF's formal channels to orchestrate an unconstitutional term extension, which Mr. Charamba labeled as slanderous and divisive.
"NewsDay imputes disharmony and disquiet within the ruling Zanu-PF and in security structures as a result of these baseless claims. These are very serious allegations designed to create alarm and despondency," he added.
Mr. Charamba reiterated that President Mnangagwa has publicly and consistently declared his intention to respect the Constitution, including the two-term limit. He noted that the President, after winning re-election in 2023, had advised Zanu-PF structures to prepare for a leadership transition in 2028.
Demand for Retraction
The OPC has demanded that NewsDay retract the story within seven days. Failure to comply will result in legal action, Mr. Charamba warned.
"This is the second time in a short space of time that NewsDay has published falsehoods about His Excellency. While the OPC respects media freedoms enshrined in the Constitution, it must be noted that publishing and circulating falsehoods is not protected by the law and renders offenders liable to legal consequences," he said.
Freedom of Expression Misused?
The OPC acknowledged that individuals and groups have the right to express opinions on national issues, including constitutional matters. However, Mr. Charamba stressed that such views cannot be imputed to the President or used to misrepresent his position.
"The Zanu-PF Constitution provides for affiliate groups and interests, which cannot be labeled as ‘parallel structures,'" he clarified.
The OPC's statement underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the presidency and ensuring that media freedom does not become a platform for misinformation.
President Mnangagwa's second term is set to end in 2028, and he has repeatedly emphasized his respect for constitutional mandates. The NewsDay article's claims have been widely criticized as unfounded and potentially destabilizing.
The OPC's demand for a retraction highlights the increasing tension between the government and sections of the media amid ongoing scrutiny of political leadership in Zimbabwe.
In a statement issued last night, Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications, Mr. George Charamba, dismissed the report as "false and malicious," accusing the newspaper of attempting to undermine national cohesion and tarnish the President's image.
"The article falsely and maliciously creates the impression that President Mnangagwa is hell-bent on breaching the national Constitution by extending his term limit ‘via the back door,' beyond what is provided for under the country's supreme law," said Mr. Charamba.
Allegations of Unconstitutional Ambitions
The NewsDay article suggested the President was using "parallel structures" outside Zanu-PF's formal channels to orchestrate an unconstitutional term extension, which Mr. Charamba labeled as slanderous and divisive.
"NewsDay imputes disharmony and disquiet within the ruling Zanu-PF and in security structures as a result of these baseless claims. These are very serious allegations designed to create alarm and despondency," he added.
Mr. Charamba reiterated that President Mnangagwa has publicly and consistently declared his intention to respect the Constitution, including the two-term limit. He noted that the President, after winning re-election in 2023, had advised Zanu-PF structures to prepare for a leadership transition in 2028.
Demand for Retraction
The OPC has demanded that NewsDay retract the story within seven days. Failure to comply will result in legal action, Mr. Charamba warned.
"This is the second time in a short space of time that NewsDay has published falsehoods about His Excellency. While the OPC respects media freedoms enshrined in the Constitution, it must be noted that publishing and circulating falsehoods is not protected by the law and renders offenders liable to legal consequences," he said.
Freedom of Expression Misused?
The OPC acknowledged that individuals and groups have the right to express opinions on national issues, including constitutional matters. However, Mr. Charamba stressed that such views cannot be imputed to the President or used to misrepresent his position.
"The Zanu-PF Constitution provides for affiliate groups and interests, which cannot be labeled as ‘parallel structures,'" he clarified.
The OPC's statement underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the presidency and ensuring that media freedom does not become a platform for misinformation.
President Mnangagwa's second term is set to end in 2028, and he has repeatedly emphasized his respect for constitutional mandates. The NewsDay article's claims have been widely criticized as unfounded and potentially destabilizing.
The OPC's demand for a retraction highlights the increasing tension between the government and sections of the media amid ongoing scrutiny of political leadership in Zimbabwe.
Source - The Herald
