THE Zimbabwe Diaspora Vote Initiative (ZDVI) has called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stop debate on the Constitutional Amendment No 3 Bill and include a clause providing for a national referendum before enacting the proposed changes.
In a petition addressed to Mnangagwa, the organisation said the controversial Bill should be subjected to a referendum to ensure transparency and accord citizens a direct say on the proposed constitutional changes.
The call comes amid growing tension over the Bill, which seeks to introduce several constitutional changes, including provisions widely viewed as paving the way for Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030. Critics argue that any amendment extending a public office holder’s tenure must be approved through a referendum.
In a letter addressed to Mnangagwa earlier this month, ZDVI chairperson Rosewiter Mangiroza said the Bill needed a referendum if peace and transparency were to prevail.
“The Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill should be subjected to a referendum and requires a lot of resourcing, as compared to an amendment enabling diaspora voting,” she said.
Mangiroza said the organisation consulted lawyers who confirmed that amendments extending the length of time a person may hold or occupy any public office must be subjected to a referendum.
“We also watched the video of the Zanu PF 2024 annual conference where [then Zanu PF legal secretary] Patrick Chinamasa reiterated the need for two referendums for the current President to be allowed to remain in office until 2030,” she said.
Mangiroza said Cabinet erred in approving the Bill without ensuring that a referendum would be held, leading to its gazetting by the Speaker of the National Assembly.
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She urged Mnangagwa to “uphold, defend, obey and respect” the Constitution as the supreme law of the nation, while ensuring that the law is faithfully observed.
“Our view, however, is that the country does not have enough resources to spend on a referendum or referendums when there are other legislative review commitments you have made, such as your promise for the diaspora vote made in 2018 soon after you assumed office,” Mangiroza said.
She added that given the diaspora’s contribution to national development — which Mnangagwa has acknowledged on several occasions and is reflected in the national budget — legislative reforms should be implemented in chronological order.
“Section 67 of the Constitution is unambiguous about the right of every Zimbabwean citizen aged 18 or above to vote in all elections and referendums to which the Constitution or any other law applies,” Mangiroza said.
In a separate statement directed to Parliament, the organisation urged legislators to demand a referendum during debate on the Bill and to walk out if the Speaker insists on proceeding without one.
“We have noted with appreciation the various efforts being made by progressive democratic forces who have voiced concern over the unprocedural process contained in the Zimbabwe Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill,” the organisation said.
“We have noted with anguish the brutal assault on citizens who are voicing their concerns and acting against the violation of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. We have also noted with great concern an organisation calling itself the Presidential Mafia 4ED.”
The pressure group also expressed concern that Mnangagwa has not publicly condemned the group.
“We call upon the Zimbabwe Republic Police to arrest all members of the mafia group visibly identified in the viral video.
“Progressive legislators have publicly spoken against the unprocedural process contained in the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill.
“Regrettably, there have been a few legislators who have voiced support for the Bill, and we remind those legislators to carefully read the Constitution as regards processes that must be followed when amending the Constitution to extend the time a person may hold or occupy any public office.”
