Mwonzora to mobilise masses to oppose Constitutional Amendment Bill

Douglas Mwonzora, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change, has vowed to mobilise Zimbabweans against the Cabinet-approved Constitutional Amendment Bill, which seeks to extend the presidential term from five to seven years.

Speaking at a press conference at Harvest House, Mwonzora said the MDC would push for a national referendum to allow citizens to have the final say on the proposed constitutional changes.

Under Zimbabwe's Constitution, amendments affecting presidential or parliamentary term limits require approval through a referendum. However, the Bill presented by the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs reportedly does not clarify whether a referendum will take place.

"This is a serious issue. We are going to mobilise the people, of course, regarding the litigation. We know that there are a number of people who are contemplating litigation. But definitely, mobilising the masses, we will," Mwonzora said.

He added that the MDC intends to engage citizens directly about what it sees as the dangers posed by the amendments.

"They would want to mobilise the people of Zimbabwe to engage in conversation with the people of Zimbabwe, to tell and show the people of Zimbabwe the danger that we are sliding in," he said.

The Bill approved by Cabinet would see Emmerson Mnangagwa's term extended to 2030 instead of ending in 2028. Political observers warn that the proposed amendments could have far-reaching implications, particularly if elections are delayed, potentially undermining democratic processes.

Mwonzora also criticised proposals to transfer the power to elect the President from citizens to Parliament, arguing that such a move would erode democratic accountability.

"What they've taken are the powers designed for a person with a direct mandate. The power that we gave to the President in the Constitution is the power reserved for a President directly elected by the people," he said.