The Crisis in Zimbabwe has described the move by the ZANU PF to extend President Mnangagwa\u2019s tenure as tantamount to undermining the spirit and collective will of the Zimbabwean populace. <\/p>\n
The oraganisation convened an extensive consultative meeting drawing a diverse array of stakeholders.<\/p>\n
The meeting was prompted by recent proposals and ongoing efforts by the ruling party working in cahoots with some opposition elements to extend Mnangagwa\u2019s tenure beyond the constitutional limit of two five-year terms.<\/p>\n
The meeting drew participants from a wide section of society, including labour, the church, the informal sector, business, parliamentarians, war veterans, political parties, students, women, and youth organisations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe primary objective of the meeting was to devise a comprehensive, collective strategy aimed at resisting the erosion of constitutional norms.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was also aimed at protecting democratic governance against the backdrop of proposed amendments that threaten to entrench authoritarian rule.\u201d<\/p>\n
The participants reached a clear and unanimous consensus regarding the proposed constitutional amendments aimed at removing presidential term limits.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe participants firmly argued that such changes would significantly undermine the spirit and collective will of the Zimbabwean populace.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe meeting explicitly rejected these amendments, characterising them as self-serving maneuvers orchestrated by a small clique of politicians pursuing personal ambitions over the broader interests of the nation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis clique\u2019s pursuit of power, they noted, undermines the very foundation of Zimbabwe\u2019s democracy,\u201d added the organisation.<\/p>\n
According to the organisation, the meeting underscored that these proposed amendments, fundamentally contradict the democratic principles enunciated in the country\u2019s constitution.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe meeting expressed concern that enacting such changes would exacerbate the lingering legitimacy crisis leading to increased international isolation and a further decline in the country\u2019s global standing.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn addition, the meeting reflected on how these ongoing attempts to alter the constitution demonstrate a profound disregard of the will of Zimbabweans as expressed in 2013 when they unanimously voted for the supreme law.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe meeting further noted that the relentless efforts to amend the constitution will continue to limit the democratic space in Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe shrinking environment poses a serious risk of consolidating authoritarian practices and eroding the fundamental rights and freedoms of the citizens.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe meeting called for constant vigilance and resistance against such developments.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition, the meeting highlighted the ongoing economic crisis in Zimbabwe, which has severely impacted the daily lives of ordinary citizens.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs inflation spirals and basic necessities become increasingly scarce, many families struggle to meet their fundamental needs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe meeting noted with concern that political elites and a small group of individuals with close ties to the government are exploiting the nation’s resources for their own gain.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis systematic looting occurs with little regard for the welfare of the populace, exacerbating the country’s economic plight and contributing to widespread hardship among the general population.\u201d<\/p>\n
GOING FORWARD<\/strong><\/p>\n The emphasis was placed on the urgency of mobilising citizens across the country to defend democratic ideals and resist any proposed amendments to the Constitution.<\/p>\n This includes utilising mass mobilization initiatives, organising demonstrations, engaging in diplomatic discussion, as well as pursuing public interest litigation to challenge and stop the encroachments on democracy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Crisis in Zimbabwe has described the move by the ZANU PF to extend President Mnangagwa\u2019s tenure as tantamount to undermining the spirit and collective will of the Zimbabwean populace.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2431,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[273,274],"class_list":{"0":"post-2429","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news-zimbabwe","8":"tag-crisis-in-zimbabwe","9":"tag-zanu-pf"},"yoast_head":"\n\n
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