Zimbabwe’s Proposed Constitutional Changes Spark Fears of One-Party Rule Under Mnangagwa
Zimbabwe is on the brink of a significant political transformation as proposed constitutional amendments threaten to shift the nation back toward a one-party state. The changes, spearheaded by the ruling Zanu-PF party, aim to extend presidential and parliamentary terms while altering the process of selecting the head of state. Critics warn these reforms could undermine democratic checks and consolidate power in the hands of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The proposed amendments, published in February and debated during public consultations in late March, include extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years. Perhaps more controversially, the revisions would scrap direct presidential elections, instead granting parliamentarians the authority to choose the president.
If approved, the changes would allow Mnangagwa, 83, to remain in office beyond his current mandate, which ends in 2028, extending his rule by two additional years. Supporters argue that the reforms could reduce election-related violence, a recurring issue in Zimbabwe’s history. However, opponents fear the amendments would centralize power and weaken democratic safeguards introduced in the 2013 constitution.
Blessing Vava, head of a regional civil society coalition on democracy and accountability, likened the proposals to the policies of former President Robert Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years before his ouster in 2017. “The changes will morph the country into a one-party state system of governance,” Vava told RFI. “This is what Mugabe attempted to do.”
The reforms have also drawn criticism for the rushed nature of their introduction. Under Zimbabwe’s 2013 constitution, amendments require a 90-day public consultation period. However, the current process was delayed and then compressed into just four days, from March 30 to April 2.
David Coltart, mayor of Bulawayo and a founding member of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change party, condemned the process as “wholly inadequate.” Coltart, a human rights and constitutional lawyer, also highlighted reports of intimidation and violence surrounding the amendments.
“There has been intimidation and violence around the process,” Coltart said. He cited the arrest of Tendai Biti, leader of the Constitutional Defenders Forum, and the assault on his own son during a hearing in Harare. Opposition leader Lovemore Madhuku was also attacked and hospitalized in March.
While supporters of the reforms claim they could curb election-related tensions, critics argue they will concentrate power in Zanu-PF’s hands. Coltart warned that the ruling party’s majority in parliament would likely ensure the amendments pass.
“I have absolutely no doubt that Zanu-PF would use its majority, and the MPs who’ve been infiltrated, to get a two-thirds majority,” Coltart told RFI. Civicus, a global civil society alliance, criticized the proposed changes, stating they would strip democratic legitimacy from the presidency.
The amendments also threaten key protections enshrined in the 2013 constitution, which limited presidents to two five-year terms and aimed to prevent long-term rule. Critics say these safeguards have already been eroded through previous amendments, such as the removal of public interviews for senior judicial appointments.
If the reforms are approved, a national referendum would be required to validate changes affecting a sitting president’s term. However, Coltart expressed skepticism that a referendum would be held. Vava warned that bypassing a referendum could undermine Zanu-PF’s legitimacy.
“Firstly, Zanu-PF is trying all systems out to evade the referendum,” Vava said. “They may succeed, but their legitimacy will be on the wire.”
Should the amendments pass, opponents could challenge them in Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court. Coltart emphasized that legal action might be the only recourse to contest the reforms.
As Zimbabwe grapples with these proposed changes, the nation faces a critical juncture in its democratic journey. The reforms could reshape the political landscape, potentially consolidating power and echoing the authoritarian practices of the Mugabe era.
— Reported by Nexio News
