Zimbabwe Public Hearings Reveal Deep Divisions Over Proposed Presidential Term Extension

Zimbabwe is currently embroiled in a contentious debate over a proposed constitutional amendment, known as CAB3, which seeks to extend the presidential term and alter the method of electing the head of state. Public hearings held across the country this week have brought to light deep divisions among citizens, with heated exchanges and accusations of unfair processes.

The Proposed Constitutional Changes

The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No.3) Bill, or CAB3, proposes to extend presidential and legislative terms from five to seven years. Crucially, it also aims to shift the power to elect the president from a popular vote in direct elections to parliament. This move has sparked considerable concern, particularly as President Emmerson Mnangagwa is currently in his second term, and his ZANU-PF party holds a firm majority in parliament.

Critics fear that if approved, these amendments could significantly entrench the ruling party's power, making it exceedingly difficult for any leader outside ZANU-PF to achieve the presidency in the future. The current constitution limits a president to two terms, a provision CAB3 implicitly bypasses for the incumbent.

Heated Public Hearings Unfold

This week, parliament hosted four days of public hearings across Zimbabwe to gather views on CAB3. In Chitungwiza, the country's third-largest urban centre, a fully packed aquatic complex hall saw tempers flare under the blazing sun. A combative woman in a cream floral dress heckled speakers who championed the amendment, openly challenging a supporter who claimed to represent seven million proponents of the legislation.

The atmosphere at these hearings, including the one in Chitungwiza, has been charged, highlighting the profound public interest and passionate opposition to the proposed changes.

Voices For and Against the Bill

The hearings have provided a platform for both supporters and opponents of CAB3 to voice their opinions. Mike Kashiri, a resident of Epworth, a working-class area south of Harare, expressed support for the bill, telling Al Jazeera that parliamentary election of the president could reduce political violence often associated with direct presidential polls.

Conversely, Ishmael Phololo, a cellphone technician in Harare, strongly disagreed. He argued that legislators are too detached from the struggles of ordinary citizens to vote for the president on their behalf. Phololo also voiced deep scepticism about extending the presidential term, suggesting that if the government desired indefinite terms, they should "just declare Zimbabwe a monarchy and stop pretending that we have democracy."

Government's Rationale and Controversial Process

The government's intentions to amend the constitution became clear in February when the cabinet approved CAB3. A cabinet statement asserted that the proposed amendments would "enhance political stability and policy continuity to allow development programmes to be implemented to completion."

However, the consultative hearings themselves have been marred by controversy. Reports of chaos and accusations of unfair collection of views by moderators have been widespread. In Epworth, for instance, the microphone was reportedly snatched from a representative of the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF), an organisation opposing CAB3, and from former mayor Annah Sande when they attempted to speak against the bill. Critics point out that officials moderating the hearings are often members of the ruling party, and the process is spearheaded by MPs who would also benefit from extended terms.

United Front Against the Amendment

In response to the perceived flaws in the consultation process and the content of the bill, three prominent opposition-led organisations – the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), Defend the Constitution Platform (DCP), and the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF) – have announced a joint effort to oppose CAB3. The leader of DCP, Jameson Timba, stated that these organisations have ceased participation in the hearings, deeming them "fundamentally flawed, exclusionary and inconsistent with the spirit and letter of the constitution."

Public Concerns and Calls for Referendum

Beyond the procedural issues, many citizens have expressed deep concerns about the structure of the public hearings. Questions have been raised regarding the limited number of venues, the scheduling of hearings during weekdays when most people are at work, and the brevity of the four-day consultation period. A significant demand from the public is for the bill to be put to a national referendum, allowing all citizens to vote on the outcome, rather than being decided solely by parliament where the ruling ZANU-PF holds a majority.

Accusations of Power Grab and Dynastic Ambitions

Justice Mavedzenge, a Zimbabwean constitutional expert and political analyst, views CAB3 as a deliberate attempt by President Mnangagwa to cling to power. Mavedzenge highlights that Mnangagwa chaired the cabinet meeting that approved a bill which would extend his own rule, and suggests the possibility of "dynastic plans for the country," echoing past concerns during the late former president Robert Mugabe's final years in power.

Despite President Mnangagwa's public denials of aspirations to stay beyond his current term, Mavedzenge believes he is the architect behind this political manoeuvring. Critics consistently question the legitimacy of elections under ZANU-PF, pointing to a history of clamping down on dissenting voices, disrupting opposition meetings, and arresting activists.

Economic Woes and Term Limit Debate

The proposed constitutional changes are unfolding against a backdrop of severe economic challenges in Zimbabwe. Mavedzenge and former opposition MP Gift Siziba argue that the bill and its motivations are out of touch with the country's "extreme poverty" and "tattered" economy. Siziba also dismissed the argument that successful leaders should have their terms extended, stating, "Term limits are not meant for people who fail. They are meant for people who succeed because they must lead and leave."

Regarding the argument that CAB3 could reduce electoral "toxicity" by having less frequent polls, Mavedzenge contends that true resolution lies in changing attitudes, particularly those of senior ZANU-PF officials, towards political differences and tolerance.

Sustained Support for Mnangagwa's Projects

On the other side of the debate, supporters like Mike Kashiri from Epworth marvel at President Mnangagwa's achievements, citing numerous "commendable projects" across the country, including the Trablablas Interchange, the new parliament, and the Masvingo Road to Beit Bridge highway. Kashiri believes that an extended seven-year term would provide the president "ample time to do good things."

However, this view is met with scepticism by opponents like Ishmael Phololo, who raises critical questions about the potential for unfinished projects after an extended term, and the risk of presidents continually seeking further extensions, creating an indefinite hold on power.

Olley News Insight Box

The proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No.3) Bill (CAB3) aims to change presidential and legislative terms from five to seven years and alter the method of presidential election from popular vote to parliamentary selection. Critics argue this move could consolidate power for the ruling ZANU-PF party, diminish democratic accountability, and potentially pave the way for indefinite rule, while supporters claim it will enhance stability and policy continuity.

Key Takeaways

  • The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No.3) Bill (CAB3) proposes extending presidential and legislative terms to seven years and empowering parliament to elect the president.
  • Public hearings have been marked by intense debate, accusations of unfair moderation, and calls for a national referendum instead of a parliamentary vote.
  • Critics view CAB3 as an attempt by President Mnangagwa to cling to power and raise concerns about democratic integrity and potential dynastic ambitions.
  • Supporters of the bill argue it will enhance political stability and allow for the completion of development projects under President Mnangagwa's leadership.