Opinion / Columnist
No to 2030 extension
5 hrs ago |
178 Views
Zimbabweans should oppose the 2030 Agenda, which calls for Mr. Mnangagwa to break the law in order to prolong his term in office. As he did in 2017 when he used military tanks to oust the late Mugabe, Mnangagwa must not be permitted to alter our constitution once more.
Zimbabwe's 2013 Constitution limits the president to two five-year terms (Section 91), with entrenched clauses on term limits (Chapter 4) requiring any amendment to secure a two-thirds parliamentary majority followed by a national referendum for approval (Section 328).
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2023, is constitutionally barred from running again after 2028.
Resolution number one that was made by his own close associates under duress in October 2025, that he must amend the Constitution to extend his term by two years to 2030, aligning it with the party's congress, is rather absurd and selfish.
This process, if pursued, would follow the formal amendment procedure outlined in Section 327, involving a parliamentary bill and public consultation, but the referendum requirement for term-related changes makes approval uncertain and politically divisive.
Mnangagwa has publicly affirmed his commitment to stepping down in 2028, describing himself as a "constitutionalist", though party officials have proceeded with the amendment push despite internal opposition from factions favouring Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
Mnanangwa is a crook. He is the one advocating for his term extension and is hiding under the banner that he is being forced by his supporters who have witnessed some great strides in developing the country.
Some critics, including opposition figures the likes of Tendai Biti, Job Sikhala, Jacob Ngarivhume, Munyaradzi Gwisai, and Obert Masaraure, just to mention a few, and civil society, contend that even attempting such changes, the masses will revolt against such a diabolic move. They went on to say that this is a potential catalyst to fuel up an unrest amid economic woes and accusations of corruption and rights suppression under Mnangagwa.
There should always be periodical constitutional checks in a government, and President Mnangagwa is not immune. Such allegations of "mutilating" the Constitution and centralisingpower have been viewed by opponents as subverting democratic intent.
Mnanangwa must be stopped by whatever means necessary and have his wings clipped.
The situation hinges on whether the term extension advances legally, with a referendum likely serving as a key barrier. Without a referendum, then we will call it theft, and our constitution will be rendered a useless paper.
Email - konileonard606@gmail.com
X - @Leokoni
Zimbabwe's 2013 Constitution limits the president to two five-year terms (Section 91), with entrenched clauses on term limits (Chapter 4) requiring any amendment to secure a two-thirds parliamentary majority followed by a national referendum for approval (Section 328).
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2023, is constitutionally barred from running again after 2028.
Resolution number one that was made by his own close associates under duress in October 2025, that he must amend the Constitution to extend his term by two years to 2030, aligning it with the party's congress, is rather absurd and selfish.
This process, if pursued, would follow the formal amendment procedure outlined in Section 327, involving a parliamentary bill and public consultation, but the referendum requirement for term-related changes makes approval uncertain and politically divisive.
Mnangagwa has publicly affirmed his commitment to stepping down in 2028, describing himself as a "constitutionalist", though party officials have proceeded with the amendment push despite internal opposition from factions favouring Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
Some critics, including opposition figures the likes of Tendai Biti, Job Sikhala, Jacob Ngarivhume, Munyaradzi Gwisai, and Obert Masaraure, just to mention a few, and civil society, contend that even attempting such changes, the masses will revolt against such a diabolic move. They went on to say that this is a potential catalyst to fuel up an unrest amid economic woes and accusations of corruption and rights suppression under Mnangagwa.
There should always be periodical constitutional checks in a government, and President Mnangagwa is not immune. Such allegations of "mutilating" the Constitution and centralisingpower have been viewed by opponents as subverting democratic intent.
Mnanangwa must be stopped by whatever means necessary and have his wings clipped.
The situation hinges on whether the term extension advances legally, with a referendum likely serving as a key barrier. Without a referendum, then we will call it theft, and our constitution will be rendered a useless paper.
Email - konileonard606@gmail.com
X - @Leokoni
Source - Leonard Koni
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