THE Nationalist Alliance Party (NAP) opposition party has urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to call for inclusive national dialogue over the proposed constitutional amendments.
NAP leader Devine Hove made the call following the assault on constitutional lawyer and opposition National Constitutional Assembly leader, Lovemore Madhuku, for allegedly opposing the amendments.
The amendments provide for sweeping changes to the Constitution, including extending Mnangagwa’s tenure and that of Parliament from 2028 to 2030.
The term extension has drawn criticism, with opponents saying this was an assault on constitutionalism.
“The best way forward is for the President to invite all political players to a formal, inclusive platform for dialogue,” Hove said in a statement.
“Only through a shared, negotiated understanding can we ensure that any amendments reflect the collective will of the people and preserve national stability.”
Keep Reading
- Mr President, you missed the opportunity to be the veritable voice of conscience
- ED to commission new-look border post
- Zanu PF ready for congress
- EU slams Zim over delayed reforms
Hove also condemned Madhuku’s assault by unknown people, labelling the attack barbaric.
He welcomed the initial acknowledgement of the incident by the police and urged authorities to ensure “a thorough investigation”.
The NAP leader called on Zanu-PF to “openly and unequivocally condemn this attack,” singling out Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi to speak out.
“As the minister currently leading government’s efforts in the formation and advancement of the Constitutional Amendment Bill, it is incumbent upon him to ensure that the legislative process is not stained by the blood of legal practitioners,” Hove said.
“To remain silent is to suggest that the law can be shaped by force rather than by the Constitution.”
NAP also urged the Parliament of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Republic Police to issue strong public condemnations and reassure citizens that they can safely participate in ongoing public consultations on the Amendment Bill.
“We must solve our own challenges through dialogue to ensure that foreign powers do not find a vacuum in which to exercise their self-serving agendas.”