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Faceless retired generals accuse Mnangagwa of driving CAB3 push
2 hrs ago |
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A group of faceless retired Zimbabwean military generals and former senior civil servants has accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa of being the principal architect and beneficiary of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), alleging that the proposed changes serve narrow political interests rather than the national good.
The allegations were contained in a statement issued in Harare and signed by retired Air Marshal Henry Muchena on behalf of the group, which includes former senior military and civil service officials.
The group said recent engagements with the President failed to address their concerns over the Bill, claiming that he dismissed objections with the remark, "whoever wins, wins," which they interpreted as disregard for constitutional and public concerns.
The former officials have called for a national referendum on the proposed constitutional amendments, arguing that the parliamentary consultation process was flawed and did not reflect the will of citizens.
They further expressed concern over ongoing court challenges related to the Bill, urging the judiciary to uphold constitutional safeguards and ensure due process in the legislative process.
In one of the most serious allegations, the group claimed that financial inducements were being used to secure support for the proposed changes, including vehicles and cash payments allegedly offered to influence parliamentary votes.
They also alleged that a US$31 million fund had been established to sway lawmakers in favour of the constitutional amendments, though no evidence was provided in the statement to substantiate the claim.
The retired officials warned Members of Parliament against supporting the Bill, arguing that any move to extend presidential and parliamentary terms without a public referendum would undermine constitutional governance.
They pledged to continue opposing the proposed amendments through legal, constitutional and civic channels, saying they would remain engaged until their concerns are addressed.
The statement adds to growing political debate around CAB3, which has attracted scrutiny from various stakeholders over its potential implications for Zimbabwe's constitutional order and governance framework.
The allegations were contained in a statement issued in Harare and signed by retired Air Marshal Henry Muchena on behalf of the group, which includes former senior military and civil service officials.
The group said recent engagements with the President failed to address their concerns over the Bill, claiming that he dismissed objections with the remark, "whoever wins, wins," which they interpreted as disregard for constitutional and public concerns.
The former officials have called for a national referendum on the proposed constitutional amendments, arguing that the parliamentary consultation process was flawed and did not reflect the will of citizens.
They further expressed concern over ongoing court challenges related to the Bill, urging the judiciary to uphold constitutional safeguards and ensure due process in the legislative process.
They also alleged that a US$31 million fund had been established to sway lawmakers in favour of the constitutional amendments, though no evidence was provided in the statement to substantiate the claim.
The retired officials warned Members of Parliament against supporting the Bill, arguing that any move to extend presidential and parliamentary terms without a public referendum would undermine constitutional governance.
They pledged to continue opposing the proposed amendments through legal, constitutional and civic channels, saying they would remain engaged until their concerns are addressed.
The statement adds to growing political debate around CAB3, which has attracted scrutiny from various stakeholders over its potential implications for Zimbabwe's constitutional order and governance framework.
Source - online
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