Cabinet cannot substitute the will of the people – rights defenders slam bid to extend Mnangagwa’s presidency
LOCAL opposition and human rights defenders grouping, Defend the Constitution Platform (DCP), has condemned the cabinet’s move to pursue constitutional amendment principles that could pave the way for extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Presidential tenure. The group says this undermines Zimbabwe’s democratic framework. The move comes as controversy grows over Zanu PF’s plan to change the […] The post Cabinet cannot substitute the will of the people – rights defenders slam bid to extend Mnangagwa’s presidency appeared first on NewZimbabwe.com.
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LOCAL opposition and human rights defenders grouping, Defend the Constitution Platform (DCP), has condemned the cabinet’s move to pursue constitutional amendment principles that could pave the way for extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Presidential tenure.
The group says this undermines Zimbabwe’s democratic framework.
The move comes as controversy grows over Zanu PF’s plan to change the Constitution in ways that could delay or alter presidential elections, potentially allowing Mnangagwa to stay in power until 2030.
A leaked document from Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi suggests proposals are set to be presented to Mnangagwa that could end direct presidential elections, extend the terms of Parliament and the presidency and give the executive more control over elections.
According to the document, one of the key proposals is to repeal Section 92 of the Constitution, which would allow the National Assembly and Senate to elect the President by majority vote after general elections or whenever the office becomes vacant, rather than through a direct vote by the people.
In a letter seen by NewZimbabwe.com addressed to Mnangagwa’s office and Cabinet, DCP convenor Senator Jameson Timba said that the Cabinet does not have the authority to override the people’s will on matters affecting democratic succession and protected constitutional rules.
“The adoption of principles for a constitutional amendment bill extending Presidential tenure raises issues that transcend policy and enter the realm of constitutional legitimacy.
“Cabinet is not a constituent authority. It cannot substitute the will of the people on matters that directly affect democratic succession and entrenched constitutional safeguards,” the letter reads.
Timba reminded the Cabinet that as chair, President Emmerson Mnangagwa had previously affirmed his commitment to upholding constitutional term limits, insisting that this juncture provides an opportunity to honour those commitments.
“As Chair of Cabinet, His Excellency the President has previously affirmed his commitment to constitutional term limits. This moment presents an opportunity to give practical effect to those commitments by ensuring that constitutional processes remain firmly anchored in popular consent. The defence of constitutionalism is not an obstruction.
“It is fidelity to the Republic,” the letter added.
Mnangagwa and his close allies are seeking every means to prolong his time in power until 2030, despite opposition from within Zanu PF.
The post Cabinet cannot substitute the will of the people – rights defenders slam bid to extend Mnangagwa’s presidency appeared first on NewZimbabwe.com.
