MNANGAGWA’S 2030 PLOT AGAINST THE CONSTITUTION

Zimbabwe is once again being dragged into a dangerous political moment. A new Constitutional Amendment Bill, known as Amendment Bill No.3, is expected to be gazetted very soon, possibly before Christmas. This bill is not ordinary. It is meant to open the door for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stay in power beyond 2028 and rule until 2030. As a political activist, I see this as a clear attack on our democracy and on the will of the people.

A senior cabinet minister has openly confirmed that the bill is ready. The drafting work has already been completed by legal experts under the Attorney General and the Justice Minister. All that remains is cabinet approval and the formal process to bring it before parliament. This alone should worry every citizen because it shows that the plan is real and already in motion.

Once cabinet approves the draft, the Minister of Justice will introduce the bill in parliament and manage the process on behalf of the executive. Parliament will then instruct government printers to publish the bill in the Government Gazette. The Clerk of Parliament is the official who ensures this publication happens. For a constitutional amendment, the law says the exact terms must be published at least ninety days before the bill is debated in parliament. This period is meant to allow public debate, but in Zimbabwe such debates are often ignored or controlled.

After the ninety days, the bill will go through debates in the National Assembly and the Senate. If both houses pass it with a two thirds majority, it will be sent to the president for signing. Once signed, it becomes law. This process may sound legal and clean, but legality does not always mean legitimacy, especially under a captured system.

The real anger across the country is about one simple issue. This amendment affects the length of the president’s stay in office. Our constitution clearly sets limits to stop exactly this kind of abuse. Sections 91, 95, and 328 are very clear about presidential terms and limits. Section 91 blocks anyone who has already served two terms from being elected again. Section 95 states that a presidential term is five years. Section 328 says changes that extend term limits cannot benefit the person already in office.

Even more important is Section 328(9). It says that any amendment that benefits the current president on term limits must go to a national referendum and also get a two thirds majority in parliament. This means the people must be asked directly. This is democracy in its purest form.

However, ZANU PF is trying to play with words. They claim the amendment only changes the length or duration of the presidency and not term limits. This is an insult to the intelligence of Zimbabweans. Changing the duration to benefit the same office holder is the same as changing term limits. The effect is the same. Power is extended without consent.

This is not about law. It is about power and fear of losing it. Zimbabweans must speak out. Silence now will mean surrender. The constitution belongs to the people, not to one man or one party. If this amendment passes without a referendum, then our democracy will have been buried quietly, just in time for Christmas.