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CAB3 creates equal opportunities for Presidential candidates
26 Apr 2026 at 12:32hrs |
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As debate intensifies over Zimbabwe's proposed constitutional amendments, prominent lawyer Sindiso Mazibisa has called for a shift toward a parliamentary system of electing the president, arguing it would promote inclusivity, stability and consensus-driven governance.
Speaking in an interview with journalist Lenin Ndebele in Bulawayo, Mazibisa said electing a president through Parliament could create equal opportunities for candidates from diverse ethnic and regional backgrounds, while reducing the polarisation often associated with direct presidential elections.
He argued that consensus-based systems encourage coalition-building and power-sharing, leading to more stable and collaborative policy outcomes compared to what he described as "winner-takes-all" politics.
"Consensus politics is the antidote to toxic contestations created by winner-takes-all systems," Mazibisa said, adding that such systems often concentrate power in what he termed an "imperial presidency."
Zimbabwe is currently debating proposed constitutional changes backed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, including provisions that could extend his tenure from 2028 to 2030.
Mazibisa suggested that, given Zanu PF's parliamentary majority, the proposed amendments are likely to pass. He said stakeholders should adopt a pragmatic approach by negotiating broader reforms in exchange for accepting the proposed extension.
"From a strategic perspective, it may be better to concede the two years and extract more progressive reforms, including dismantling the current concentration of power," he said.
He pointed to countries such as South Africa and Botswana, where presidents are elected through Parliament, as examples of systems that promote inclusivity and accountability.
Mazibisa also warned against repeating past mistakes, referencing the rejection of Zimbabwe's government-backed constitution in 2000, which he said was driven by emotional responses rather than strategic considerations.
Drawing on ideas from Herbert Simon's work Administrative Behaviour, he emphasised the importance of pursuing practical and achievable reforms over ideal but unattainable outcomes.
"Reform should aim for satisfactory outcomes, not theoretically perfect ones," Mazibisa said.
The remarks come as national debate over constitutional reforms continues to deepen, with legal experts, political actors and civil society weighing in on the future structure of Zimbabwe's governance system.
Speaking in an interview with journalist Lenin Ndebele in Bulawayo, Mazibisa said electing a president through Parliament could create equal opportunities for candidates from diverse ethnic and regional backgrounds, while reducing the polarisation often associated with direct presidential elections.
He argued that consensus-based systems encourage coalition-building and power-sharing, leading to more stable and collaborative policy outcomes compared to what he described as "winner-takes-all" politics.
"Consensus politics is the antidote to toxic contestations created by winner-takes-all systems," Mazibisa said, adding that such systems often concentrate power in what he termed an "imperial presidency."
Zimbabwe is currently debating proposed constitutional changes backed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, including provisions that could extend his tenure from 2028 to 2030.
Mazibisa suggested that, given Zanu PF's parliamentary majority, the proposed amendments are likely to pass. He said stakeholders should adopt a pragmatic approach by negotiating broader reforms in exchange for accepting the proposed extension.
"From a strategic perspective, it may be better to concede the two years and extract more progressive reforms, including dismantling the current concentration of power," he said.
He pointed to countries such as South Africa and Botswana, where presidents are elected through Parliament, as examples of systems that promote inclusivity and accountability.
Mazibisa also warned against repeating past mistakes, referencing the rejection of Zimbabwe's government-backed constitution in 2000, which he said was driven by emotional responses rather than strategic considerations.
Drawing on ideas from Herbert Simon's work Administrative Behaviour, he emphasised the importance of pursuing practical and achievable reforms over ideal but unattainable outcomes.
"Reform should aim for satisfactory outcomes, not theoretically perfect ones," Mazibisa said.
The remarks come as national debate over constitutional reforms continues to deepen, with legal experts, political actors and civil society weighing in on the future structure of Zimbabwe's governance system.
Prominent lawyer Sindiso Mazibisa says electing a president through parliament can offer equal opportunity for candidates from different ethnic and regional backgrounds to ensure national inclusivity. pic.twitter.com/a485BA4Rra
— Bulawayo24 News (@Bulawayo24News) April 26, 2026
Source - online
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