NGO in ED2030 pushback

A coalition of civil society organisations in Zimbabwe is reportedly coming together to form a massive movement aimed at challenging the push by President Emmerson Mnangagwa's Zanu-PF supporters to extend his rule beyond the constitutional two-term limit.

This development comes as the ruling party pushes for constitutional amendments that would allow Mnangagwa to remain in power beyond his second term, which ends in 2028. While the president has stated that he does not intend to remain in power beyond his tenure, the proposed changes have sparked widespread criticism, with critics arguing that such a move undermines Zimbabwe's democratic principles and constitutional norms.

In response to the growing political tension, a conglomeration of civil society groups under the banner of the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) held a consultative meeting yesterday to discuss a strategy to resist the proposed constitutional amendments. The meeting, attended by representatives from a wide array of sectors, including labor, religious groups, business, parliamentarians, war veterans, political parties, students, women, and youth organisations, agreed to unite in opposition to the proposed term extension.

"The primary objective of the meeting was to devise a comprehensive, collective strategy aimed at resisting the erosion of constitutional norms and protecting democratic governance," CiZC said in a statement. "We are determined to oppose any constitutional amendments that threaten to entrench authoritarian rule."

The civil society groups emphasized the need for an inclusive, broad-based movement to defend democratic space, mobilising citizens from all walks of life, including media, diplomats, community organisers, and rapid response teams. The focus is on empowering ordinary Zimbabweans to take part in the fight to preserve their democracy.

The activists unanimously agreed that one of their key objectives is to educate and mobilise the public to vote against the proposed extension of the presidential term limit should a referendum be held. "The meeting acknowledged the critical need for robust national mobilisation efforts," CiZC stated. "This mobilisation must prioritise community consultation and engagement to safeguard the Constitution."

As part of their efforts, the coalition resolved to organise a national all-stakeholders convention to bring together a diverse range of groups to prepare for a united response. This would include a collective call to vote "NO" should a referendum be called regarding any proposed amendments to the Constitution.

"The emphasis was placed on the urgency of mobilising citizens across the country to defend democratic ideals and resist any proposed amendments to the Constitution," CiZC added.

The group also highlighted the importance of using all available constitutional channels to challenge any efforts to abolish term limits. Their strategies include mass mobilisation, demonstrations, diplomatic engagement, and public interest litigation aimed at halting what they see as an encroachment on Zimbabwe's democracy.

In a show of solidarity, churches under the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations have also joined the call, urging President Mnangagwa to uphold the Constitution by adhering to the established term limits. Their support for the movement further highlights the widespread concern over the proposed constitutional amendments.

As tensions continue to rise, it is clear that a significant portion of Zimbabwean civil society is determined to stand firm in defending the Constitution and ensuring that the country's democratic principles remain intact. The battle over the extension of presidential term limits is shaping up to be one of the most significant political challenges Zimbabwe will face in the coming months.