The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (The Coalition) urges progressive Zimbabweans to remain vigilant in light of the concerted efforts by the Zanu PF regime and some self-serving politicians to illegally extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms without a referendum.
We are fully aware of a document drafted by the Zanu PF legal committee, which convened last month with the specific aim of formulating proposals to implement the ambitious 2030 agenda while intentionally circumventing the constitutional requirement for a national referendum.
The three proposals outlined within this document are not only undemocratic but represent a direct affront to the principles of fair governance.
Consequently, it is imperative that as citizens we mount a robust resistance against these moves through a multifaceted approach that includes legal challenges, strategic engagement within parliament, especially with progressive members from both the opposition and ruling party benches, and organised mass action across communities.
Additionally, we note that the speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda, was also assigned the task of providing a legal opinion on the viability of achieving the 2030 agenda without resorting to a referendum, a process critical to ensuring democratic legitimacy.
Furthermore, we have become aware of a Memorandum presented to Cabinet by Ziyambi Ziyambi, the minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, proposing to amend the constitution with the explicit goal of extending the terms of office for the president, parliamentary representatives, and local council officials.
This amendment, to be pushed through by the Zanu PF caucus and in connivance with a section of compromised opposition legislators led by Sengezo Tshabangu, seeks to postpone upcoming elections, shifting the timeline from 2028 to 2030, thereby undermining the democratic process.
This self-serving agenda reflects a total disregard for the will of the people of Zimbabwe as reflected in the 2013 constitution that was unanimously voted for by the people of Zimbabwe.
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The 2013 constitution was supposed to mark a shift from an authoritarian to a more democratic society and this power grab (under the guise of Vision 2030) is an affront to the constitution of Zimbabwe and the democratic aspirations of the Zimbabwean people. Any such amendment will have to go through a referendum where the people of Zimbabwe will participate.
It is regrettable that despite the 2013 constitution being lauded as progressive, Zimbabwe continues to witness consolidation of authoritarianism, repression, and the ideology of a one-pin power indefinitely against the aspirations of Zimbabweans who voted for the 2013 constitution as well as the aspirations of living and fallen heroes of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
The Coalition is fully aware that self-serving politicians and a cartel of corrupt individuals who continue to benefit from the plunder of national resources are behind the push to extend Mnangagwa's stay in office.
Regrettably, we continue to witness amendments to the constitution that have ushered in draconian legislation like the PVO Act which has further shrunk the democratic space in Zimbabwe.
The Coalition reiterates its call for Zimbabweans, across political, ethnic, and social divides, to unite and reject this unconstitutional power grab.
Through our Constitutional Hubs established in various parts of the country, the Coalition will mobilise grassroots communities to resist the illegal extension of Mnangagwa’s stay in office which symbolises consolidation of authoritarianism and erosion of democracy.
