By Staff Reporter
Harare – The Free Zimbabwe Congress (FZC) has strongly condemned a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030 without seeking a fresh popular mandate.
Opposition party leader and president Joseph Makamba Busha said the move reflects a long-standing disregard for democratic principles by the ruling party.
“Zanu PF and the President (Mnangagwa) have never respected the people of Zimbabwe or the Constitution.
“This amendment is a Zanu PF agenda designed to preserve the party itself, protect what has been looted, and destroy what remains of the country, reducing citizens to perpetual beggars,” Busha said.
Busha insisted that any constitutional change made outside a national referendum is illegitimate, warning Zimbabweans against “being deceived.”
“No amendments outside a referendum can be considered lawful.
“Zimbabweans must not be misled as they were during the 2017 coup.
“Elections must be held in 2028, as provided for by the Constitution,” he said.
The Free Zimbabwe Congress has called on citizens to unite in opposition to the proposed amendment, citing growing fears of authoritarianism and political extremism.
The proposal has already triggered outrage among opposition parties and civil society organisations, who accuse the ruling party of attempting to cling to power.
“We will not stand idly by while our democracy is systematically dismantled.
“We urge all Zimbabweans to stand together and reject this blatant assault on our Constitution,” Busha said.
The proposed amendment has also attracted criticism from international observers, who warn that such a move could further isolate Zimbabwe from the global community and deepen its political and economic challenges.
