Zanu PF Defying the People's 2013 Constitution

Once again, Zimbabwe finds itself stuck between a rock and hard place where political power seems to overshadow the will of the people. The ruling Zanu PF party appears to be defying the National 2013 Constitution, the very document that Zimbabweans overwhelmingly voted for in the hope of building a democratic, transparent and accountable nation.

What we are witnessing today mirrors what happened during the early years of independence. When Robert Mugabe was Prime Minister, he pushed through constitutional changes that transformed his office into the presidency, consolidating power and setting a precedent that has haunted our politics ever since. Today, Zanu PF seems to be walking down that same dangerous path manipulating the law to serve political interests rather than the people's will.

During his 22nd conference address, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga made an emotional appeal about the need for integrity in leadership. He said, "We must always remember that we are not the Alpha and Omega of Zimbabwe's journey." These are powerful words that should resonate across all political ranks, but they must also be backed by action. The same Constitution that Chiwenga speaks of so eloquently must be protected, not violated.

The 2013 Constitution was a hard-won victory, a product of national dialogue, citizen participation and a collective desire to prevent the excesses of the past. It represents the people's voice. Yet, recent legislative amendments and political manoeuvres raise serious concerns about whether Zanu PF still respects that social contract.

Chiwenga also reminded the nation that "the fallen are watching us." Indeed, the liberation heroes who sacrificed their lives did not fight for a country where a few individuals could twist the Constitution for personal gain. They fought for a Zimbabwe where law and order, fairness and justice would prevail.

A local political analyst put it plainly when he said, "The bond between the party and the people must remain unbroken. Citizens are becoming increasingly aware of their rights and they will not stand idly by." His words reflect a growing national sentiment Zimbabweans are awake and watching. They are tired of seeing their Constitution treated as a political tool rather than the supreme law of the land.

We have seen this story before. In the 2000s, constitutional amendments were used to extend power and crush dissent. The same cycle of constitutional defiance threatens to undo the progress made over the past decade. As a nation, we cannot afford to return to that dark chapter.

Zimbabwe now faces a defining moment. The leadership must choose between upholding the people's Constitution or repeating the mistakes of the past. Our democracy depends on this choice.

The Constitution is not a Zanu PF document it is a people's document. It must be defended, respected and lived by all who swear to serve under it. The struggle for true liberation continues, not through war or slogans, but through the defence of the rule of law.

Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi

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