By Naledi Nyoni
HARARE — Controversial opposition politician Herbert Chamuka has endorsed the newly enacted Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, breaking ranks with most opposition parties and civil society groups campaigning against the law.
The People’s Unity Party (PUP) leader Chamuka urged Zimbabweans to boycott Friday’s anti-government protests, accusing organisers of exploiting ordinary citizens’ hardships by mobilising them for demonstrations they do not lead themselves.
Chamuka said the constitutional changes would reduce election-related disputes and strengthen Zimbabwe’s political system.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed the Constitutional Amendment Act into law on July 7 after it sailed through Parliament, triggering legal challenges and calls for nationwide protests from opposition groups, constitutional lawyers and civic organisations.
Critics argue the law weakens democratic safeguards by extending presidential, parliamentary and local authority terms from five to seven years and replacing direct presidential elections with a vote by a joint sitting of Parliament.
They also argue such far-reaching constitutional changes required a referendum.
Chamuka, however, said Zimbabweans should accept the law.
“As PUP, we are supporting the Act because we see that it avoids political disputes.
“If parliamentarians vote on behalf of their constituencies there is no room for rigging,” he said.
He also appealed to citizens not to participate in the July 31 demonstrations organised by groups opposing the constitutional changes.
“I encourage those who are being mobilised to demonstrate on July 31 to desist from doing so,” Chamuka said.
Chamuka added: “Those who wanted to protest should have done so before CAB3 was signed into law to show their dissatisfaction.”
“Their silence before it became an Act showed they were supporting it.
“It is now an Act, and everyone must just embrace it,” he said.
Chamuka further criticised protest organisers, accusing them of taking advantage of the economic hardships facing Zimbabweans while avoiding the risks associated with leading demonstrations themselves.
“These organisers are taking advantage of the suffering masses by encouraging ordinary citizens to go into the streets for protests which they themselves do not lead,” he said.
“I urge Zimbabweans not to be used.
“Let us remain peaceful and focus on building our country instead of engaging in demonstrations,” he said.
He also appealed to Zimbabweans living in South Africa to return home and contribute to national development.
“Vision 2030 promises a better Zimbabwean economy, and for that to be attained, we must be united as a people,” Chamuka said.
His remarks come as opposition parties, constitutional advocacy groups and churches continue to challenge the legislation, arguing it concentrates power in the executive and Parliament while stripping citizens of the right to directly elect the president.
Several court applications seeking to nullify the law have already been filed, while church leaders have called for a national referendum, saying the amendments have deepened political polarisation rather than resolving constitutional disputes.
The government and supporters of the amendments maintain the changes will enhance political stability, reduce the frequency of elections and improve governance continuity.
