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CAB3 will trigger Mnangagwa's political downfall
2 hrs ago |
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Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has described the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) as a grave political mistake that could ultimately hasten President Emmerson Mnangagwa's downfall.
The proposed constitutional changes, currently before Parliament, seek to extend Mnangagwa's tenure by two years beyond the current constitutional limit. The bill would also allow Members of Parliament and councillors to remain in office until 2030 without seeking fresh electoral mandates through a referendum.
Chamisa, who challenged Mnangagwa in the 2023 elections under the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) banner, said the proposed amendment represented a fundamental error that Zimbabweans would eventually correct.
Speaking on the sidelines of celebrations marking the United States' 250th Independence Anniversary, attended by Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Anxious Masuka and Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, Chamisa reiterated his opposition to the bill.
"I have always opposed the constitutional amendment from the word go," said Chamisa.
"What Mnangagwa is doing is going to be a catalyst for change in this country. They are making a fundamental mistake, a national error, but that error will be corrected by citizens.
"We the citizens have the right to correct any error in settings when it comes to national governance."
Chamisa suggested that the ruling party's push for the amendment could prove politically self-defeating.
"We do not need to stop this bill. At times you do not need to stop someone who is determined to commit suicide.
"You let them commit suicide and celebrate their demise. We are waiting for them to finalise their mistake," he said.
The constitutional amendment has sparked intense political debate, with critics arguing that extending the terms of elected officials undermines democratic principles and circumvents constitutional safeguards requiring public approval through a referendum.
The issue has also exposed apparent divisions within the ruling Zanu PF party. While Mnangagwa has publicly maintained that he does not intend to remain in office beyond the constitutionally prescribed two five-year terms, reports of differing views within the party continue to circulate.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has been linked to opposition against the proposed amendment, although he has not publicly commented on the matter. The extent of support for the bill within competing factions of the ruling party remains unclear.
Mnangagwa previously told international broadcaster CNN and local editors that he had no intention of extending his stay in office. Asked about pressure from supporters advocating for a term extension, he remarked that he would "convince the convincers not to convince him."
Meanwhile, some opposition legislators have openly declared support for the bill, drawing criticism from anti-amendment campaigners.
Retired military officers opposed to the constitutional changes have alleged that a US$31 million fund has been earmarked to influence parliamentary votes in favour of the amendment, claims that have not been independently verified.
Chamisa accused some lawmakers of compromising their independence through material inducements.
"There has been contamination, corruption and pollution of most of our MPs by being given trinkets, money, farms, mines and that contaminates their objectivity," he said.
As parliamentary debate on CAB3 continues, the proposed amendment remains one of the most contentious political issues facing Zimbabwe, with supporters arguing it will provide continuity and stability, while opponents view it as a direct challenge to constitutionalism and democratic accountability.
The proposed constitutional changes, currently before Parliament, seek to extend Mnangagwa's tenure by two years beyond the current constitutional limit. The bill would also allow Members of Parliament and councillors to remain in office until 2030 without seeking fresh electoral mandates through a referendum.
Chamisa, who challenged Mnangagwa in the 2023 elections under the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) banner, said the proposed amendment represented a fundamental error that Zimbabweans would eventually correct.
Speaking on the sidelines of celebrations marking the United States' 250th Independence Anniversary, attended by Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Anxious Masuka and Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, Chamisa reiterated his opposition to the bill.
"I have always opposed the constitutional amendment from the word go," said Chamisa.
"What Mnangagwa is doing is going to be a catalyst for change in this country. They are making a fundamental mistake, a national error, but that error will be corrected by citizens.
"We the citizens have the right to correct any error in settings when it comes to national governance."
Chamisa suggested that the ruling party's push for the amendment could prove politically self-defeating.
"We do not need to stop this bill. At times you do not need to stop someone who is determined to commit suicide.
"You let them commit suicide and celebrate their demise. We are waiting for them to finalise their mistake," he said.
The constitutional amendment has sparked intense political debate, with critics arguing that extending the terms of elected officials undermines democratic principles and circumvents constitutional safeguards requiring public approval through a referendum.
The issue has also exposed apparent divisions within the ruling Zanu PF party. While Mnangagwa has publicly maintained that he does not intend to remain in office beyond the constitutionally prescribed two five-year terms, reports of differing views within the party continue to circulate.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has been linked to opposition against the proposed amendment, although he has not publicly commented on the matter. The extent of support for the bill within competing factions of the ruling party remains unclear.
Mnangagwa previously told international broadcaster CNN and local editors that he had no intention of extending his stay in office. Asked about pressure from supporters advocating for a term extension, he remarked that he would "convince the convincers not to convince him."
Meanwhile, some opposition legislators have openly declared support for the bill, drawing criticism from anti-amendment campaigners.
Retired military officers opposed to the constitutional changes have alleged that a US$31 million fund has been earmarked to influence parliamentary votes in favour of the amendment, claims that have not been independently verified.
Chamisa accused some lawmakers of compromising their independence through material inducements.
"There has been contamination, corruption and pollution of most of our MPs by being given trinkets, money, farms, mines and that contaminates their objectivity," he said.
As parliamentary debate on CAB3 continues, the proposed amendment remains one of the most contentious political issues facing Zimbabwe, with supporters arguing it will provide continuity and stability, while opponents view it as a direct challenge to constitutionalism and democratic accountability.
Source - newzimbabwe
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