CHINHOYI, Apr. 1 (NewsDay Live) — Consultations on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) have taken an unexpected turn, with some villagers in Kazangarare now pushing for presidential terms of up to 10 years—beyond the proposed seven-year limit.
At the latest meeting, all speakers called for a 10-year term, a notable shift from earlier consultations that largely supported a seven-year extension.
Hurungwe villager Joyline Moyo dismissed the proposed term as insufficient, advocating for a longer tenure and suggesting further increases in future.
“Seven years is too short. I propose 10 years,” she said.
“I also believe the term will be extended again when the time comes.”
Another villager, Marvelous Zimbeva, echoed the sentiment, praising President Emmerson Mnangagwa while backing a longer term.
“Seven years is too short. He should be given 10 more years in power,” said Zimbeva.
The Kazangarare and Patchway meetings—like others held nationwide—were reportedly tightly controlled, with gatekeepers vetting participants before allowing them to speak.
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In Kazangarare, the process allegedly went further, with some individuals removed from speaking queues if suspected of opposing the bill.
Sources also claim financial incentives may have influenced participation. Individuals who spoke in support of the bill were allegedly promised US$20, while attendees who did not speak reportedly received US$2, along with food and transport.
At Patchway, a NewsDay crew observed attendees receiving meals and soft drinks from Chicken Inn at Kwaedza School after the meeting.
