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Chiwenga makes fresh cryptic remarks on CAB3
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Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga has made another cryptic public statement widely interpreted as a critique of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), using the biblical story of Lazarus to emphasise the importance of public participation in major national decisions.
A video recorded over the weekend and circulating on social media shows Chiwenga addressing party supporters through a biblical allegory, with observers interpreting his remarks as an indirect reference to the controversial constitutional amendment process.
CAB3 seeks to extend the terms of the President, Parliament and local authorities from five to seven years. The Bill has already been approved by both Houses of Parliament and now awaits President Emmerson Mnangagwa's assent before becoming law.
Critics of the legislation argue that some of its proposed amendments should have been subjected to a national referendum, while the government maintains that Parliament has acted within the constitutional framework.
In his address, Chiwenga recounted the biblical account of Lazarus of Bethany, whom Jesus raised from the dead, drawing attention to the role played by those present before the miracle took place.
"When Lazarus fell sick, Jesus was told but he did not rush there. He continued with his lessons for four days before leaving for Lazarus' home," Chiwenga said.
"Martha and Mary asked why he had taken so long but he mourned Lazarus and asked people where they had buried him.
"Do you think Jesus did not know? He asked them because he wanted their participation.
"He asked them to open his tomb again because he wanted them to play a part in this miracle. They participated, and he only had to call out to Lazarus and he walked out of the tomb.
"Jesus went further to tell them to remove the clothes they had wrapped his body with."
Although Chiwenga did not mention CAB3 directly, the remarks have been widely interpreted as underscoring the need for citizen participation in constitutional changes.
The Vice-President has previously used biblical references that were similarly viewed as commentary on Zimbabwe's political developments. In an earlier address, he referred to the story of Hezekiah, a message that many interpreted as a warning against the extension of political power beyond established limits.
CAB3 has generated intense political debate since its introduction, with supporters arguing that longer terms will provide greater policy continuity and allow government to complete long-term development projects. Opponents, however, contend that the amendments weaken constitutional safeguards and should have been subjected to a referendum before being adopted.
President Mnangagwa has defended the constitutional amendment process and previously declared that "whoever wins, wins," remarks that were widely interpreted as signalling his determination to proceed with the reforms despite growing opposition.
Chiwenga's latest comments are likely to fuel further speculation about divisions within the ruling ZANU PF party over the proposed constitutional changes and the broader succession debate.
A video recorded over the weekend and circulating on social media shows Chiwenga addressing party supporters through a biblical allegory, with observers interpreting his remarks as an indirect reference to the controversial constitutional amendment process.
CAB3 seeks to extend the terms of the President, Parliament and local authorities from five to seven years. The Bill has already been approved by both Houses of Parliament and now awaits President Emmerson Mnangagwa's assent before becoming law.
Critics of the legislation argue that some of its proposed amendments should have been subjected to a national referendum, while the government maintains that Parliament has acted within the constitutional framework.
In his address, Chiwenga recounted the biblical account of Lazarus of Bethany, whom Jesus raised from the dead, drawing attention to the role played by those present before the miracle took place.
"When Lazarus fell sick, Jesus was told but he did not rush there. He continued with his lessons for four days before leaving for Lazarus' home," Chiwenga said.
"Martha and Mary asked why he had taken so long but he mourned Lazarus and asked people where they had buried him.
"He asked them to open his tomb again because he wanted them to play a part in this miracle. They participated, and he only had to call out to Lazarus and he walked out of the tomb.
"Jesus went further to tell them to remove the clothes they had wrapped his body with."
Although Chiwenga did not mention CAB3 directly, the remarks have been widely interpreted as underscoring the need for citizen participation in constitutional changes.
The Vice-President has previously used biblical references that were similarly viewed as commentary on Zimbabwe's political developments. In an earlier address, he referred to the story of Hezekiah, a message that many interpreted as a warning against the extension of political power beyond established limits.
CAB3 has generated intense political debate since its introduction, with supporters arguing that longer terms will provide greater policy continuity and allow government to complete long-term development projects. Opponents, however, contend that the amendments weaken constitutional safeguards and should have been subjected to a referendum before being adopted.
President Mnangagwa has defended the constitutional amendment process and previously declared that "whoever wins, wins," remarks that were widely interpreted as signalling his determination to proceed with the reforms despite growing opposition.
Chiwenga's latest comments are likely to fuel further speculation about divisions within the ruling ZANU PF party over the proposed constitutional changes and the broader succession debate.
Source - NewZimbabwe
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