UDA sounds alarm, claims people’s mandate under siege

HARARE – The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has sharply criticised Zanu‑PF’s proposed constitutional amendments, describing them as a direct assault on democratic rights and a threat to the people’s mandate.


In a statement, UDA leader Dr Daniel Shumba rejected proposals to shift the election of the President from a direct popular vote to a parliamentary process, saying such a move would undermine constitutional order.

“This is a power grab, plain and simple. A President with sweeping executive powers must seek a direct mandate from the people, not hide behind a captured Parliament,” Shumba said.

The UDA warned that transferring presidential elections to Parliament would entrench patronage, encourage political deal‑making and weaken accountability.

“It’s a recipe for entitlement and partisan conduct,” the party said.

The organisation also raised concerns about judicial independence, questioning the role of the Chief Justice in overseeing parliamentary elections under the proposed system.

According to the UDA, the ruling party’s motivations stem from fears of losing a free and fair election.

“They’re trying to bypass the people entirely. That would be the greatest betrayal of democracy in the history of the country’s liberation foundation,” Shumba said.

The party urged Zimbabweans to resist what it called “legislative manoeuvring” and defend their democratic rights.

“Nyika ndeyedu tese – the country belongs to us all,” the UDA declared.

Cabinet recently approved draft legislation proposing to extend presidential terms from five to seven years, which would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030. The bill also includes a provision for Parliament to elect the President instead of citizens voting directly.

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi told journalists that the bill will be sent to the Speaker of Parliament and published in the Government Gazette before being tabled for debate.