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Chamisa backtracks on Chiwenga jibe, deletes X post
2 hrs ago |
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Former Nelson Chamisa has deleted a message posted on his X account that appeared to reference Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga's recent remarks on the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3).
The Bill, which was passed by Parliament last week, is awaiting President Emmerson Mnangagwa's assent before it can become law.
CAB3 has generated widespread debate because it seeks to extend Mnangagwa's term of office from 2028 to 2030. Critics also oppose provisions that would alter the process for electing a president.
Opposition to the proposed legislation has intensified, with church leaders, opposition political parties and civic organisations forming a broad alliance known as Sungano yeVanhu/Ubumbano lomphakathi (The People's Coalition) to campaign against the Bill.
The coalition includes Reverend Kupakwashe Mtata, Lovemore Madhuku, Tendai Biti, Reuben Zulu, David Coltart and Jameson Timba, among others.
Chamisa is not part of the coalition, a position that has drawn criticism from some opposition supporters who argue he should be working alongside other groups opposing the Bill.
Although he has repeatedly criticised CAB3 on social media, critics say he has not taken a leading role in organising resistance to the proposed constitutional amendments. Chamisa has also rejected allegations that he is working with Zanu-PF.
On Friday, Chamisa posted the message: "Razaro ari kupiko? Ko Hezekia? Hezekia akazoita sei zviya? #Godisinit." The post was later deleted.
The message appeared to reference Chiwenga's recent public addresses in which he drew on biblical figures including Lazarus and King Hezekiah. Political observers have interpreted those speeches as containing indirect commentary on the constitutional amendment debate, although Chiwenga did not explicitly link the biblical references to CAB3.
Chamisa's deleted post sparked debate on social media, with some users interpreting it as a jab at the Vice-President.
Political analyst Rashweat Mukundu said he viewed the post as political satire rather than a substantive political statement.
"I think this is political banter by Chamisa mocking the chaos and divisions in Zanu-PF over CAB3," Mukundu said.
"This is mockery intending to send a message to Zanu-PF leaders that their time in the fire will come."
The Bill remains the subject of growing political and legal opposition and will only take effect if it receives presidential assent.
The Bill, which was passed by Parliament last week, is awaiting President Emmerson Mnangagwa's assent before it can become law.
CAB3 has generated widespread debate because it seeks to extend Mnangagwa's term of office from 2028 to 2030. Critics also oppose provisions that would alter the process for electing a president.
Opposition to the proposed legislation has intensified, with church leaders, opposition political parties and civic organisations forming a broad alliance known as Sungano yeVanhu/Ubumbano lomphakathi (The People's Coalition) to campaign against the Bill.
The coalition includes Reverend Kupakwashe Mtata, Lovemore Madhuku, Tendai Biti, Reuben Zulu, David Coltart and Jameson Timba, among others.
Chamisa is not part of the coalition, a position that has drawn criticism from some opposition supporters who argue he should be working alongside other groups opposing the Bill.
Although he has repeatedly criticised CAB3 on social media, critics say he has not taken a leading role in organising resistance to the proposed constitutional amendments. Chamisa has also rejected allegations that he is working with Zanu-PF.
On Friday, Chamisa posted the message: "Razaro ari kupiko? Ko Hezekia? Hezekia akazoita sei zviya? #Godisinit." The post was later deleted.
The message appeared to reference Chiwenga's recent public addresses in which he drew on biblical figures including Lazarus and King Hezekiah. Political observers have interpreted those speeches as containing indirect commentary on the constitutional amendment debate, although Chiwenga did not explicitly link the biblical references to CAB3.
Chamisa's deleted post sparked debate on social media, with some users interpreting it as a jab at the Vice-President.
Political analyst Rashweat Mukundu said he viewed the post as political satire rather than a substantive political statement.
"I think this is political banter by Chamisa mocking the chaos and divisions in Zanu-PF over CAB3," Mukundu said.
"This is mockery intending to send a message to Zanu-PF leaders that their time in the fire will come."
The Bill remains the subject of growing political and legal opposition and will only take effect if it receives presidential assent.
Source - The Standard
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