THE ruling Zanu PF party has taken its campaign for the Constitutional Amendment No 3 Bill to the sacred National Heroes Acre, coinciding with the burial of three recently deceased heroes of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa led the proceedings at the burial of three national heroes — Major General (Rtd) Herbert Chingono, Cosmas Chiringa and Elison Mupamawonde.
Zanu PF recently stepped up its campaign for the controversial Bill, which is set to extend Mnangagwa’s term in office to 2030, with meetings convened through its structures across the country.
The Constitutional Amendment No 3 Bill, at the centre of Zanu PF’s campaign, proposes extending both the presidential and parliamentary terms by two years beyond 2028, abolishing direct presidential elections and dissolving the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, among other major constitutional changes.
Critics argue that the Bill should be subjected to a referendum, but government insists that Parliament has the authority to amend the Constitution.
The government and Zanu PF insist there is no need for a referendum and that the right to amend the country’s charter rests only with Parliament.
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Yesterday, party supporters were mobilised early in the morning, with a number of buses ferrying members to the burial site.
Provincial and district committee executives in Harare co-ordinated efforts to ensure a strong turnout.
Supporters filled the grandstands at the national shrine, waving placards endorsing the Bill.
They sang in praise of Mnangagwa urging him to lead the country beyond 2030, with messages including “#CAB3: Supporting the seven-year term for long-term progress; No to election disruption — Yes to stability #CAB3 and #CAB3: Allowing sufficient time for project implementation.”
Talent Kambalemi, provincial chairperson for Young Women in Business, told NewsDay that she supports the Bill because it allows ongoing projects, such as dams, roads and schools, to be completed.
“This is why we are saying if we add two years, it will allow President Mnangagwa to finish the development programmes he started,” she said.
Vendors echoed this view, saying it allows them to focus on work without disruption from election rallies.
“Our time will be saved from being called to attend community rallies and we end up losing customers while attending those meetings.”
In his address, Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans to renew their sense of national purpose and ensure peace as a foundation for sustainable development.
“Let us honour the late Comrades Mupamaonde, Major Gen (Rtd) Chingono and Cosmas Chiringa by ensuring that our peace is the bedrock upon which we build sustainable development, modernisation and prosperity,” he said.
The President highlighted the importance of vigilance amid global conflicts, referencing the ongoing war in the Middle East.
“While my government has put in place measures to shield us from potential shocks, we must remain vigilant and focused,” Mnangagwa said, stressing the need to safeguard economic relations with Zimbabwe’s partners.