THE Election Resource Centre (ERC) has criticised the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill that seeks to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term by two years and change the way in which the country elects its leader.
Under the proposal, the President would no longer be elected directly by Zimbabweans but responsibility will fall on the shoulders of lawmakers.
The presidential term would be increased from five to seven years, with proponents arguing this would “eliminate election mode toxicity and allow sufficient time for project implementation while promoting stability.”
ERC said the amendments lacked a factual and democratic basis, ignoring Zimbabwe’s history of disputed elections.
“The proposal ignores key reform recommendations that would improve the credibility of elections in Zimbabwe and ultimately reduce disputes and political polarisation,” it said in a statement.
The watchdog also noted that the proposed amendment should not apply to individuals who occupied the office prior to the changes.
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“Not withstanding any other provision of this section, an amendment to a term-limit provision, the effect of which is to extend the length of time that a person may hold or occupy any public office, does not apply in relation to any person who held or occupied that office, or an equivalent office, at any time before the amendment,” ERC said.
The proposed amendments also seek to abolish the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and transfer its functions to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission.
Opposition parties have condemned the move to amend the Constitution. The United Zimbabwe Alliance described the changes as a threat to democracy.
“Proposals that alter presidential term limits or remove the direct election of the President raise serious constitutional and democratic concerns,” said the Elisabeth Valerio-led party.
Human rights advocates and opposition leaders have vowed to block what they call another bid by Zanu PF to amend the Constitution, warning that any attempt to extend President Mnangagwa’s tenure without a public referendum will face stiff resistance.