Over a month since Zanu PF passed the controversial resolution to remove presidential term limits by forcing constitutional amendments, Zimbabweans are still in the dark on how the ruling party intends to handle the contentious matter.
In 2013, Zimbabweans voted overwhelmingly for a new constitution stipulating that an individual can only serve two five-year terms as president.
That particular clause in the constitution was popular because of the unpopularity of the late Robert Mugabe who had ruled the country with an iron fist since independence in 1980.
Mugabe used violence and manipulated elections to remain in power even when it had become clear that he had lost popular support among Zimbabweans until he was overthrown by the military in 2017.
His successor President Emmerson Mnangagwa promised people that he would introduce a “new kind of democracy”, which was tacit approval that the previous regime was authoritarian.
It goes without saying that Mnangagwa has failed dismally to keep his promises and is seen in some circles as more authoritarian than his predecessor.
His loyalists are pushing for him to hang on to power beyond 2028 when his term comes to an end, hence the Zanu PF resolution to amend the constitution.
Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa last week told the media that the ruling party was pushing for the amendment of the constitution to ensure that Mnangagwa does not become a lame duck president.
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Mutsvangwa’s reasons for the mooted mutilation of the constitution did not make sense because the 82-year-old's ruler over seven years in power has yielded nothing tangible for poor Zimbabweans.
Zimbabwe still has no stable currency, the majority of the country’s citizens have no jobs and most of the families are struggling to put food on the table.
There is nothing that the current administration has done to justify the amendment of the constitution to allow Mnangagwa to rule until he dies.
Mnangagwa himself has declared on at least three occasions that he does not want to remain in power beyond what is constitutionally permissible.
It is high time that Zanu PF leaders start expending their energies on matters that improve the quality of life of the masses of our people and abandon the self-serving campaign for a third term.
Mnangagwa must also show leadership and call his people to order. The 2030 campaign is a huge distraction that must not be allowed to cloud important matters that affect ordinary Zimbabweans.
