Plan to scrap presidential elections puts Zimbabweans at loggerheads
Zimbabwe is seeing growing fears in opposition circles that the ruling Zanu-PF party is making a new grab for power as it presses ahead with constitutional amendments. The amendments aim "at giving parliament, rather than voters, the right to elect the president and to extend his term from five to seven years." Tendai Biti told the BBC, "This is a coup, a slow coup that is unfolding in Zimbabwe."
The draft legislation has caused deep polarisation, pitting Zanu-PF and opposition supporters against each other. Public hearings were held to give people a chance to express their views on the proposed changes that will lead to presidential elections being scrapped, parliamentary and presidential terms being extended from five to seven years, parliamentary elections scheduled for 2028 being delayed to 2030, and President Emmerson Mnangagwa being expected to remain in office until 2030. At a public hearing in Harare, a woman said, "I support the bill in its entirety." Patrick Chinamasa said, "There's nothing that stops us from changing, to go to another system that's less costly, less controversial." Fadzayi Mahere told the BBC that Zanu-PF supporters had caused a "commotion" in order to prevent critics from registering their disagreement with the bill. Lovemore Madhuku said he was beaten by masked assailants last month as the police watched.
Parliament is expected to pass the bill in the coming weeks. The campaign began in 2024, with the slogan "2030 - he (Mnangagwa) will still be the leader" being chanted.
Quick Summary
Zimbabwe's ruling party is pushing for constitutional changes that could scrap presidential elections- a move that has sparked outrage. The proposed amendments have deepened political divisions, raising concerns about democracy.
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