Zanu-PF pushes term extension at national shrine

Zimbabwe's ruling party, Zanu-PF, has taken its campaign for the contentious Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill to the country's most symbolic burial site, National Heroes Acre, during the interment of three liberation war heroes.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa led proceedings at the burial of Major General (Rtd) Herbert Chingono, Cosmas Chiringa and Elison Mupamawonde, in what also became a platform for mobilising support for the proposed constitutional changes.

The Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill, now central to Zanu-PF's nationwide campaign, seeks to extend presidential and parliamentary terms by two years beyond 2028. It also proposes abolishing direct presidential elections and dissolving the Zimbabwe Gender Commission-measures that have sparked intense debate across the political spectrum.

Critics argue that such sweeping changes require a national referendum, while the government maintains that Parliament has the constitutional authority to amend the country's charter without one.

Ahead of the burial, party structures mobilised supporters, with buses ferrying people to the shrine in Harare. Provincial and district leadership coordinated turnout, resulting in packed grandstands filled with placard-waving supporters.

Chants and messages backing the Bill dominated the event, with slogans calling for term extension in the name of stability and continuity. Some supporters urged Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond 2030, arguing that longer terms would allow for the completion of key infrastructure projects.

Talent Kambalemi, provincial chairperson for Young Women in Business, said extending the presidential term would ensure continuity in development initiatives such as dam construction, road rehabilitation and school building programmes.

"This is why we are saying if we add two years, it will allow President Mnangagwa to finish the development programmes he started," she said.

Vendors at the event echoed similar sentiments, arguing that fewer election cycles would reduce disruptions to their businesses.

"Our time will be saved from being called to attend community rallies and we end up losing customers while attending those meetings," one vendor said.

In his address, Mnangagwa called for unity and national focus, urging Zimbabweans to honour the fallen heroes by safeguarding peace and stability.

"Let us honour the late Comrades Mupamawonde, Major Gen (Rtd) Chingono and Cosmas Chiringa by ensuring that our peace is the bedrock upon which we build sustainable development, modernisation and prosperity," he said.

The President also warned of global uncertainties, referencing conflicts in the Middle East, and emphasised the need for vigilance to protect Zimbabwe's economic interests.

The blending of a national burial ceremony with overt political messaging has, however, raised concerns among observers, who view it as further evidence of the increasing politicisation of national institutions and symbols.

As the debate over Constitutional Amendment No. 3 intensifies, the use of such a historic and symbolic venue underscores the high stakes involved in Zimbabwe's evolving political landscape.