Staff Reporter
ZANU PF says the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill is intended to curb what it describes as the increasingly hostile nature of Zimbabwe’s politics, which the party links to the direct election of the President.
The position follows remarks by Attorney General, Virginia Mabiza, who said Cabinet recently endorsed the proposed amendments as part of broader efforts to fortify governance and preserve national stability.
Addressing the Zanu PF Masvingo provincial coordinating committee (PCC), the party’s secretary for security, Lovemore Matuke, called on Zimbabweans to support the Bill, arguing that it could help bring an end to persistent electoral disputes.
“Some people argue that changing the constitution is unlawful, but that view is mistaken. The constitution comes from the people, and when the people believe adjustments are necessary, there is nothing improper about making them.
“Across the world, nations revise their constitutions when circumstances require it. In Zimbabwe, presidential elections have become increasingly toxic and have intensified divisions among citizens. After every election, disputes and tensions tend to follow. The present system is unhealthy because those who lose especially in presidential races often reject the outcome.
“Continual conflict surrounding elections shows the current system is not working. For that reason, we should support the proposed Bill that provides for the President to be elected by Parliament. Such a system can reduce political tensions and strengthen national stability. In Mozambique, for instance, disputed elections once resulted in months of instability. Countries with fiercely contested presidential elections often face similar challenges.”
Matuke said the removal of nationwide presidential polls would also enable resources currently devoted to elections to be redirected towards national development priorities.
“Another serious concern is the cost of holding nationwide elections. These processes consume significant public resources that could be channelled toward development and improving people’s livelihoods.
“Our aim is not to undermine democracy but to reinforce it by creating a system that promotes unity, limits conflict, and focuses national energy on development.
“When undertaken lawfully and carefully, constitutional reform is a way to improve governance and secure a more stable future. Reform is not a rejection of democracy, but an adaptation of it to address real national challenges.”
