An alleged plot by Zanu PF suspend elections for 10 years as part of plans to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term in office has come as a shock to many Zimbabweans, who see it as a reversal of the gains made on the democracy front.
In 2013, Zimbabweans resoundingly voted for a new constitution that put a number of safeguards against the abuse of power that has become emblematic under Zanu PF.
The constitution introduced term limits for the president, which means that any leader elected under the new supreme law could only serve two five-year terms before passing the baton.
Since coming into power, Mnangagwa has overseen calculated measures to weaken the same constitution with the most brazen act being the 2021 amendments that marked a significant shift towards consolidation and democratic erosion.
The amendments subtly strengthened the hand of the executive in the appointment of judges and the prosecutor general. Zimbabwe’s original constitution had established strong safeguards against political interference by politicians.
The devastating effects of those amendments did not take long to manifest with citizens losing confidence in the judiciary because of the apparent interference by government officials, which has severely compromised the justice system in Zimbabwe.
It is against this background that Zimbabweans are alarmed by the loud campaigns in Zanu PF to once again temper with the constitution to entrench Mnangagwa’s rule beyond the permitted five years.
While the 83 year-old ruler continues to insist that he does not want to stay beyond 2028 when his term comes to an end, Zanu PF is pressing ahead with plans to push for the amendment of the constitution to prolong his rule.
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Vice President Constantino Chiwenga revealed that some consultants have come up with a guiding document titled Breaking Barriers Initiative that proposes the banning of elections for 10 years.
Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said his office was “not able to comment on or verify the authenticity of the circulating document, which may, in all likelihood, be spurious, fabricated or manipulated; particularly in light of the dubious source of its disclosure.”
Ziyambi’s statement did not do shed any light on the disturbing matter, but the ruling party must read the room.
Zimbabweans do not consider the amendment of the constitution a priority and we believe Zanu PF understands this because it is becoming apparent that they will do everything possible to avoid a referendum.
Mnangagwa, who claims to be a constitutionalist, must be careful about the trappings of power and avoid taking this country backwards by facilitating the mutilation of the constitution.
