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Mwonzora slams Mnangagwa as 'ungrateful'
2 hrs ago |
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Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Douglas Mwonzora has described President Emmerson Mnangagwa as "an ungrateful man," amid growing controversy over Zanu-PF's push to extend the president's tenure beyond 2028.
Despite Mnangagwa publicly rejecting a term extension beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms, the ruling party has been advancing plans to amend the Constitution to allow him to remain in power. Sections 91(2) and 328(7), which bar a third-term bid and prevent a sitting president from benefiting from such amendments, are reportedly under review.
Addressing the media in Harare, Mwonzora questioned the rationale for granting Mnangagwa another term at age 83. "He has been Minister since 1980 and has served two presidential terms. He needs to be an ungrateful man to seek anything beyond that," Mwonzora said.
The MDC leader criticised Mnangagwa's leadership, arguing that the country has seen little improvement since he assumed power following the 2017 military intervention that ended Robert Mugabe's rule. "Average Zimbabweans continue wallowing in poverty. Some cannot afford a meal a day, and unemployment remains high. So why should we have another term?" Mwonzora asked.
A leaked dossier allegedly authored by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga suggests that Zanu-PF is planning to introduce the so-called Breaking Barriers Initiative (BBI) in Parliament. The initiative reportedly seeks to postpone elections and extend the tenure of the National Assembly until 2030 under the guise of promoting national stability.
Mwonzora warned against tampering with the 2013 Constitution, which was overwhelmingly endorsed by citizens in a national referendum. "The people of Zimbabwe want a limited term. Someone rules, completes a second term if possible, then goes home. We remain opposed to the so-called 2030 agenda," he said.
The controversy comes as Zanu-PF continues to face both internal and external opposition to its constitutional amendment proposals, with calls for citizens to defend the constitutional term limits growing louder.
Despite Mnangagwa publicly rejecting a term extension beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms, the ruling party has been advancing plans to amend the Constitution to allow him to remain in power. Sections 91(2) and 328(7), which bar a third-term bid and prevent a sitting president from benefiting from such amendments, are reportedly under review.
Addressing the media in Harare, Mwonzora questioned the rationale for granting Mnangagwa another term at age 83. "He has been Minister since 1980 and has served two presidential terms. He needs to be an ungrateful man to seek anything beyond that," Mwonzora said.
The MDC leader criticised Mnangagwa's leadership, arguing that the country has seen little improvement since he assumed power following the 2017 military intervention that ended Robert Mugabe's rule. "Average Zimbabweans continue wallowing in poverty. Some cannot afford a meal a day, and unemployment remains high. So why should we have another term?" Mwonzora asked.
Mwonzora warned against tampering with the 2013 Constitution, which was overwhelmingly endorsed by citizens in a national referendum. "The people of Zimbabwe want a limited term. Someone rules, completes a second term if possible, then goes home. We remain opposed to the so-called 2030 agenda," he said.
The controversy comes as Zanu-PF continues to face both internal and external opposition to its constitutional amendment proposals, with calls for citizens to defend the constitutional term limits growing louder.
Source - newzimbabwe
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