A major political debate is unfolding in Zimbabwe over proposed constitutional changes that could allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until at least 2030 and remove citizens’ right to directly elect their president.
A group of war veterans has taken the issue to the Constitutional Court, arguing that the reform process is unlawful. Represented by constitutional lawyer Lovemore Madhuku, they claim Mnangagwa should not be involved in approving changes that personally benefit him, calling it a conflict of interest.
The proposed amendments would extend the presidential term from five to seven years and shift presidential elections away from public voting. Instead, members of parliament would choose the president.
Supporters of Mnangagwa say the reforms are needed for political stability and long-term development. Critics, however, see them as an attempt to weaken democracy and keep the president in power beyond his current limit, which ends in 2028.
The ruling ZANU-PF party holds enough seats in parliament to pass the draft law, making the court challenge an important test of Zimbabwe’s constitutional future.
SOURCE: TRT AFRICA
