ED2030 agenda gains momentum

The ruling Zanu-PF party is pressing ahead with efforts to amend Zimbabwe's Constitution to allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond 2028, despite mounting opposition from political parties and civil society organizations.

Mnangagwa has publicly stated that he does not seek to extend his term beyond the two-term limit. However, he has not condemned those advocating for the extension. A leaked document reveals that Zanu-PF MPs, working with certain opposition elements, are preparing a motion to amend the Constitution.

The document, verified by Energy Mutodi, indicates that the motion has been drafted and will be introduced once Parliament resumes. Mutodi is expected to move the motion, with Charles Moyo as the seconder. The motion proposes significant changes to constitutional provisions, raising concerns about its implications for governance and democracy.

Key proposals include amending section 95(b) to allow Parliament to extend the presidential term by up to five years and revising section 91(2) to enable Parliament, by an overwhelming majority, to grant additional time in office for a President who has served two terms. Further amendments would empower Parliament to extend its own term and that of local authorities under sections 143(1) and 158(1)(a) for reasons such as economic development and government restructuring.

The motion also seeks to remove restrictions in section 328(7), which prohibit officeholders from benefiting from term extensions. Justifications provided in the document claim these changes align with the aspirations of Zimbabweans who wish to maintain the current development trajectory under Mnangagwa's leadership. The motion also emphasizes addressing political challenges such as polarization and fostering dialogue and unity.

Mutodi confirmed the document's authenticity but described it as a work in progress. "Until signed by its proponents and approved by the Honourable Speaker of Parliament Advocate JFN Mudenda, it remains a draft," he stated. Moyo, however, denied involvement, attributing the claims to mischief makers.

Civil society organizations have expressed alarm over these developments. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) criticized the proposed amendments as violations of constitutional principles and warned they could erode public confidence. ZimRights leader Dzikamai Bere emphasized that the Constitution, adopted in 2013, is under threat from attempts to reverse its progressive elements. "We are witnessing efforts to undo the good work achieved over the past 12 years," Bere said.

Bere also highlighted citizen apathy and a lack of commitment to constitutionalism as significant challenges. "Over the past 12 years, we have not seen a passionate, Constitution-oriented citizenry," he noted, calling for unity among civil society groups to defend the Constitution.

Opposition Zapu leader Sibangilizwe Nkomo condemned the proposed amendments, describing them as a betrayal of Zimbabwe's democratic principles. "The Constitution is not a list of suggestions but a sacred covenant with the people of Zimbabwe," he stated. Nkomo criticized opposition figures supporting the amendments as enablers of Zanu-PF's agenda, accusing them of prioritizing patronage over the nation's aspirations.

Nkomo urged Zimbabweans to demand accountability from elected officials and prioritize peaceful engagement in addressing political challenges. "Our politics should be a battle of ideas, not abductions, torture, or violence," he said. "We must focus on rebuilding Zimbabwe as an inclusive state where every citizen takes pride in their identity."