Opinion / Columnist
The Folly of Extending Presidential Terms: A Recipe for Disaster
12 hrs ago | Views
The notion of extending President Mnangagwa's term has sparked a maelstrom of debate, with proponents arguing that it is essential for continuity and achieving the country's vision for the future. However, this argument is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to consolidate power and undermine the democratic process. The six reasons proffered by proponents of the extension - economic revival, infrastructure development, agricultural transformation, foreign relations and investment, reconciliation and unity, and Vision 2030 - are nothing more than a house of cards, built on shaky ground and liable to come crashing down at any moment.
The real reasons for extending the President's term are far more sinister. It is a blatant attempt to avoid the specter of succession, a problem that has been exacerbated by the removal of the running mate clause from the national constitution. This move has created a power vacuum, leaving Zanu PF scrambling to find a suitable replacement for President Mnangagwa. Furthermore, the extension of the President's term is also driven by corruption, as those in power seek to maintain their grip on the reins of power and continue to plunder the country's resources.
Moreover, the extension of the President's term is also motivated by a deep-seated fear of elections. Incompetent and less qualified leaders, who have grown comfortable in their positions of power, fear that they will be cast aside by the electorate. By extending the President's term, they hope to avoid the uncertainty of elections and maintain their grip on power. This is a classic case of "jobs for the boys," where those in power seek to maintain their positions, regardless of their competence or qualifications.
The proponents of the extension argue that it is necessary for the country's development, but this is nothing more than a smokescreen. The truth is that the extension of the President's term is a recipe for disaster, a move that will only serve to entrench corruption, undermine democracy, and perpetuate the status quo. It is a move that will be deeply unpopular with the electorate, who will see it for what it is - a blatant power grab by those who are desperate to maintain their grip on power.
In conclusion, the extension of President Mnangagwa's term is a move that must be resisted at all costs. It is a move that will only serve to undermine democracy, perpetuate corruption, and entrench the status quo. The people of Zimbabwe deserve better than this, and it is time for them to make their voices heard. The decision to extend the President's term must be made through a national referendum, allowing the people to have a say in their country's future. Anything less would be a betrayal of the democratic principles that Zimbabwe holds dear.
Etiwel Mutero is a political commentator.+263773614293 etiwelm02@gmail.com
https://chat.whatsapp.com/LueuAeFAgAc1yLAcBUGYhn
The real reasons for extending the President's term are far more sinister. It is a blatant attempt to avoid the specter of succession, a problem that has been exacerbated by the removal of the running mate clause from the national constitution. This move has created a power vacuum, leaving Zanu PF scrambling to find a suitable replacement for President Mnangagwa. Furthermore, the extension of the President's term is also driven by corruption, as those in power seek to maintain their grip on the reins of power and continue to plunder the country's resources.
Moreover, the extension of the President's term is also motivated by a deep-seated fear of elections. Incompetent and less qualified leaders, who have grown comfortable in their positions of power, fear that they will be cast aside by the electorate. By extending the President's term, they hope to avoid the uncertainty of elections and maintain their grip on power. This is a classic case of "jobs for the boys," where those in power seek to maintain their positions, regardless of their competence or qualifications.
In conclusion, the extension of President Mnangagwa's term is a move that must be resisted at all costs. It is a move that will only serve to undermine democracy, perpetuate corruption, and entrench the status quo. The people of Zimbabwe deserve better than this, and it is time for them to make their voices heard. The decision to extend the President's term must be made through a national referendum, allowing the people to have a say in their country's future. Anything less would be a betrayal of the democratic principles that Zimbabwe holds dear.
Etiwel Mutero is a political commentator.+263773614293 etiwelm02@gmail.com
https://chat.whatsapp.com/LueuAeFAgAc1yLAcBUGYhn
Source - Etiwel Mutero
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