ZANU PF affiliate, Trailblazers for Economic Development (4ED), has thrown its weight behind the controversial Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3, arguing that it will allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to complete key development projects.
The group, led by Harare South legislator Trymore Kanopula, made the remarks during a meeting held in the constituency over the weekend.
Trailblazers 4ED is a Zanu PF affiliate that focuses on youth empowerment through skills development programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.
The Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 has sparked widespread debate in Zimbabwe, with critics arguing that it undermines democratic processes.
Among its key provisions, the Bill proposes extending the terms of office for the President and Members of Parliament by two years, effectively pushing elections from 2028 to 2030. It also seeks to introduce changes to the method of selecting a president, among other governance reforms.
Speaking at the meeting, Kanopula defended the proposed extension, saying it would enable government to channel resources towards development rather than elections.
“Elections often come with significant costs to the nation. We saw it fit that instead of focusing on the 2028 elections, those resources could be channelled towards completing projects initiated by our President,” he said.
“In Harare South, we have seen infrastructure such as the Trabablas Interchange being constructed. We expect that once the Bill is passed, government will have adequate time to address outstanding issues such as regularisation of stands and road construction in our constituency.”
Trailblazers 4ED secretary-general Blessing Chiware said the organisation’s support for the Bill was anchored on its vision to uplift young people economically.
“As Trailblazers 4ED, we are focused on initiating programmes that improve the livelihoods of youths. Supporting Amendment Bill No. 3 ensures continuity of these initiatives, with the aim of achieving an upper middle-income economy by 2030,” he said.
Harare South Zanu PF treasurer and Trailblazers 4ED coordinator Clemmence Mandengu said Zimbabwe could draw lessons from countries such as China, which he claimed prioritise development over electoral cycles.
“We want President Mnangagwa to continue the projects he has started. Countries like China focus more on development and less on political contestation,” Mandengu said.
“Frequent elections in Zimbabwe tend to create unnecessary tension and disrupt developmental momentum.”
Trailblazers 4ED chairperson Patricia Nkazana was also present at the event backing the amendment bill.
However, the proposed constitutional changes have drawn criticism from some sections within Zanu PF as well as opposition parties, who argue that the Bill could erode democratic principles and concentrate excessive power in the executive.
