By Staff Reporter
HARARE — People’s Unity Party (PUP) leader Herbert Chamuka has thrown his weight behind the recently enacted Constitutional Amendment Act, saying it will help reduce political disputes and strengthen Zimbabwe’s electoral system.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed the Constitutional Amendment Act into law on July 7 after it was passed by parliament.
The law extends the terms of the president, members of parliament and local authorities from five to seven years.
It also replaces the direct popular election of the president with election by a joint sitting of parliament.
Chamuka said his party supported the changes because they would help eliminate election-related disputes.
“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.
Chamuka also urged Zimbabweans to boycott planned July 31 demonstrations organised by groups opposed to the constitutional changes, arguing that any objections should have been raised before the legislation was enacted.
“I encourage those who are being mobilised to demonstrate on July 31 to desist from doing so.
“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,” Chamuka said.
He also appealed to Zimbabweans living in South Africa to return home and contribute towards national development, saying the government’s Vision 2030 agenda offered hope for a stronger economy.
“Vision 2030 promises a better Zimbabwean economy, and for that to be attained, we must be united as a people,” he said.
His remarks come as debate over the Constitutional Amendment Act continues, with supporters arguing it will promote political stability while critics say it weakens democratic governance and constitutional safeguards.
