The Unholy Pursuit of Power: A Rebuttal to the Proposal for Extending President Mnangagwa's Term

An article by Tinotenda recently espoused the notion that the proposal for extending President Mnangagwa's term is centered around ensuring continuity and stability in Zimbabwe's economic recovery and development. He says since taking office, President Mnangagwa has been at the helm of initiating economic reforms aimed at pulling Zimbabwe out of its deepest economic quagmire. Tinotenda continues to say President Mnangagwa's administration's engagement with international financial institutions and the introduction of policies like "Zimbabwe is Open for Business" signify a move towards a more globally integrated economy. He argues that extending his term would allow these nascent initiatives to mature, ensuring that the groundwork laid for economic recovery is not disrupted by a change in leadership. He reiterated that the populace understands that economic turnaround is not an overnight affair; it demands continuity and patience.

However, Tinotenda forgot that President Mnangagwa took office in 2017 and by 2028 he would have served a total of eleven years and eleven years is not an overnight. We expect the President to have seen his vision through during his ten year tenure without the need to extend his tenure.

Furthermore, extending the Presidential term would require a constitutional amendment, a Pandora's box that raises concerns about the potential risks of autocracy, as allowing a president to serve beyond the established term limit can lead to an accumulation of power and potentially undermine democratic institutions. This would be a Faustian bargain, trading short-term gains for long-term democratic stability.

Moreover, extending a president's term can disrupt the regular transition of power, potentially leading to political instability and undermining the democratic process. Term limits allow for fresh perspectives and new ideas, which can be beneficial for a country's development. Extending a president's term can limit opportunities for new leaders to emerge, stifling the creative potential of the nation.

The proposal to extend President Mnangagwa's term has also raised concerns about its potential benefits for the general public. The proponents of the extension are unclear about what the president plans to achieve during the additional two years. Will he provide grants to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) or government grants to senior citizens? These are crucial questions that need to be answered, lest the proposal be seen as a mere power grab.

In fact, the extension of term must not benefit just a few people such as the executive, parliamentarians, and councillors but benefit the general public of our citizens. From the look of things, our citizenry won't benefit anything from the proposed extension of time. What deliverable is he going to achieve in his added term? The people demand answers, not empty promises.

Furthermore, it is unclear whether the extension of term from five to seven years would be a permanent term or if this extension is solely benefiting President Mnangagwa. The lack of clarity on this matter raises concerns about the motivations behind the proposal and the potential implications for Zimbabwe's democracy. This ambiguity is a ticking time bomb, waiting to unleash a maelstrom of controversy and instability.

The Constitution of Zimbabwe is a sacrosanct document that outlines the fundamental principles and values of the nation. It is essential to uphold the Constitution and respect its provisions, including the two-term limit for presidents. Tempering with the Constitution for personal or political gain undermines the rule of law, democratic principles, and the will of the people. Zimbabweans must prioritize the sanctity of the Constitution and reject any attempts to amend it for selfish reasons. The Constitution is the bedrock of our democracy, and we must vigilantly guard it against those who would seek to undermine it.

It is imperative that members of the Zanu PF party, opposition parties, and civil society organizations speak out against the proposed amendment. Nelson Chamisa, as the leader of the opposition, must not be complicit with Zanu PF's machinations to extend the presidential term limit. He must take a firm stance against this proposal and advocate for the upholding of the Constitution. The people of Zimbabwe deserve a leadership that respects the rule of law, democratic principles, and the Constitution. Anything less would be a betrayal of the public trust and a capitulation to authoritarianism.

Proponents of the extension of presidential terms must not threaten to arrest or sue those who are opposed to the extension of the presidential term. Instead, they should allow for free debate on the subject matter, enabling citizens to engage in constructive discussions and make informed decisions. The exchange of ideas and opinions is essential in a democratic society, and any attempts to stifle dissenting voices must be vehemently rejected. By promoting a culture of open dialogue and tolerance, Zimbabweans can ensure that their democracy remains vibrant and resilient.

In conclusion, the proposal to extend President Mnangagwa's term is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. While it may offer some benefits, such as continuity and stability, it also poses significant risks to Zimbabwe's democracy. The Constitution must be upheld, and the will of the people must be respected. Anything less would be a betrayal of the public trust and a capitulation to authoritarianism.

Etiwel Mutero is a teacher, archivist, records manager and a political commentator.+263773614293 etiwelm02@gmail.com_