Zimbabwe’s Proposed Constitutional Amendment: A Tactic to Extend Presidential Power?

Zimbabwe is poised to undergo a significant constitutional shift that could allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power for an additional two years, igniting fierce debate and opposition across the nation. This move reflects a worrying trend in Africa where governmental leaders manipulate laws to extend their tenure, often at the expense of democratic principles.

Uniting Opposition Through Controversy

In a move that has surprised many observers, President Mnangagwa has inadvertently galvanized his political opponents, both from within the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) and rival parties. The proposed amendment has been dubbed the “ED2030” initiative, referencing the president’s full name, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa. While the campaign had been simmering beneath the surface for years, it gained formal recognition when Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi announced Constitutional Amendment No. 3 on February 16.

The amendment seeks to alter the 2013 constitution by replacing direct presidential elections with parliamentary ones and extending the terms of the president and other elected officials from five to seven years. This change has the potential to delay the next presidential elections from 2028 to 2030, allowing Mnangagwa to sidestep the two-term limit that many fear is being undermined.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

The original 2013 constitution, developed in collaboration with opposition parties, was specifically designed to prevent third-termism—a phenomenon prevalent in various African nations. It includes strict measures that enforce a two-term limit for the presidency. Critics argue that ZANU-PF’s latest attempt to amend this vital provision represents a manipulative strategy to navigate around these legal constraints.

Patrick Chinamasa, ZANU-PF’s Treasurer General, defended the amendment, claiming that it does not extend the president’s term but rather “elongates” the electoral cycle for all elected officials. However, this assertion has been met with skepticism, especially from opposition leaders such as David Coltart, the mayor of Bulawayo, who was instrumental in crafting the 2013 constitution. Coltart pointed out that the intent of the amendment is clear; it seeks to alter the duration that a person can occupy public office, thus violating constitutional limits.

Opposition Mobilizes Against the Amendment

The proposed changes have sparked outrage across various sectors of society. The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), trade unions, churches, and even some former loyalists of ZANU-PF are coming together to challenge the amendment. On the same day the amendment was announced, six war veterans—previously staunch supporters of the ruling party—filed a legal challenge at the Constitutional Court to prevent it from advancing.

Coltart emphasized a critical point: the constitution explicitly states that any modification to term limits must be put to a referendum, yet Chinamasa has declared that “there will be no referendum. Full stop.” This has raised serious questions about the government’s intentions and its commitment to uphold democratic standards.

A Systematic Erosion of Democracy?

The proposed amendment has been described by experts as a form of “lawfare,” a tactic employed by leaders across the continent to undermine democracy. Zenge Simakoloyi of the Institute for Security Studies noted that similar methods have been observed in countries like Zambia, Tanzania, and Togo, where legal mechanisms are manipulated to suppress opposition and maintain power.

The EU’s newly appointed ambassador to Zimbabwe, Katrin Hagemann, commented that constitutional amendments should reflect the essence of good governance. However, this view has faced backlash as critics argue that failing to hold a referendum fundamentally undermines the legitimacy of any amendment.

Internal Divisions and External Pressures

Among ZANU-PF’s detractors is First Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, whose initial support for Mnangagwa has waned. Observers speculate that this internal rivalry could complicate Mnangagwa’s efforts to pass the amendment.

Despite a united front against the proposed changes, political analysts, including Ibbo Mandaza, caution that if Mnangagwa perceives a threat from the diverse opposition, he may resort to more aggressive tactics to maintain control. This includes past instances of violence against opponents, such as an arson attack on a venue prior to an organized gathering against the amendment.

Conclusion: The Future of Zimbabwe’s Political Landscape

The debate over this constitutional amendment puts the very essence of Zimbabwean democracy at a crossroads. While the opposition gains unprecedented solidarity, questions arise about the lengths to which the ruling party will go to secure its position. As the nation watches closely, the outcome of this amendment could have lasting implications for Zimbabwe’s governance and the future of democratic reforms in the region.

— Reported by Nexio News