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Zanu-PF told not to desecrate the Constitution
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United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) leader, Elizabeth Valerio, has sharply criticized the ruling party ZANU PF for its reported efforts to amend the constitution, enabling President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his stay in office beyond his constitutionally stipulated two terms.
Valerio condemned the faction within ZANU PF advocating for the suspension of the 2028 elections, a move aimed at keeping Mnangagwa in power until 2030. This has sparked internal divisions within the ruling party, with another faction backing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and insisting on upholding the constitutional two-term limit.
Reports suggest that the pro-Mnangagwa faction has sought to enlist opposition Members of Parliament to exploit the fragmented state of the opposition and push forward the proposed amendment.
Valerio emphasized the need for ZANU PF to respect Zimbabwe's constitution and avoid dragging the nation into its internal disputes.
"The government needs to respect the Constitution of Zimbabwe. We do not, in any way, want to see a Zimbabwe where the rights of the people are being eroded. In 2028, we expect to go to the polls.
"We expect to have the opportunity to register our candidates and to elect a new president for Zimbabwe. That is our constitutional right, and we are urging those in ZANU PF to keep their factional disputes to themselves. Do not involve the nation, and do not disrespect our constitutional document. It is the right of citizens to choose their leaders," Valerio said.
While President Mnangagwa has not publicly endorsed this proposal, he has also refrained from condemning the actions of his supporters, fueling further speculation about his stance.
Valerio warned against the nation being pulled into ZANU PF's internal power struggles, recalling Zimbabwe's missed opportunities for progress in the past.
"It is quite unfortunate that Zimbabwe keeps going down the same path. In 2017, we were presented with an opportunity for a new future. Now, we are hearing this new mantra saying we must keep the president in power because he is doing such a great job.
"This is why we are launching the Community Wall Initiative. We are covering the entire country because we want to put it on record: no one wants 2030. If you speak to the people, there are hundreds gathered here today, and they will tell you clearly that they want something different every time they go to the polls.
"As UZA, we will ensure that the voice of the citizens is on record. We will not get involved in this factional fight," Valerio asserted.
The debate over constitutional amendments comes as Zimbabwe faces increasing calls for political reform and governance that prioritizes citizens' voices and rights. Observers are closely watching how ZANU PF handles the growing divide within its ranks and the implications for the country's democratic processes.
Valerio condemned the faction within ZANU PF advocating for the suspension of the 2028 elections, a move aimed at keeping Mnangagwa in power until 2030. This has sparked internal divisions within the ruling party, with another faction backing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and insisting on upholding the constitutional two-term limit.
Reports suggest that the pro-Mnangagwa faction has sought to enlist opposition Members of Parliament to exploit the fragmented state of the opposition and push forward the proposed amendment.
Valerio emphasized the need for ZANU PF to respect Zimbabwe's constitution and avoid dragging the nation into its internal disputes.
"The government needs to respect the Constitution of Zimbabwe. We do not, in any way, want to see a Zimbabwe where the rights of the people are being eroded. In 2028, we expect to go to the polls.
"We expect to have the opportunity to register our candidates and to elect a new president for Zimbabwe. That is our constitutional right, and we are urging those in ZANU PF to keep their factional disputes to themselves. Do not involve the nation, and do not disrespect our constitutional document. It is the right of citizens to choose their leaders," Valerio said.
While President Mnangagwa has not publicly endorsed this proposal, he has also refrained from condemning the actions of his supporters, fueling further speculation about his stance.
Valerio warned against the nation being pulled into ZANU PF's internal power struggles, recalling Zimbabwe's missed opportunities for progress in the past.
"It is quite unfortunate that Zimbabwe keeps going down the same path. In 2017, we were presented with an opportunity for a new future. Now, we are hearing this new mantra saying we must keep the president in power because he is doing such a great job.
"This is why we are launching the Community Wall Initiative. We are covering the entire country because we want to put it on record: no one wants 2030. If you speak to the people, there are hundreds gathered here today, and they will tell you clearly that they want something different every time they go to the polls.
"As UZA, we will ensure that the voice of the citizens is on record. We will not get involved in this factional fight," Valerio asserted.
The debate over constitutional amendments comes as Zimbabwe faces increasing calls for political reform and governance that prioritizes citizens' voices and rights. Observers are closely watching how ZANU PF handles the growing divide within its ranks and the implications for the country's democratic processes.
Source - NewZimbabwe
