KEY POINTS
- Churches warn against violating Zimbabwe’s constitution for political gain.
- ZANU-PF is split between pro- and anti-third-term factions.
- Critics say democracy is eroding as leaders prioritize self-interest.
Amid mounting calls for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to run for a third term, churches have urged the government to uphold the constitution and the rule of law.
Churches push back against Mnangagwa’s third-term bid
There are internal conflicts within ZANU-PF, with one group calling for adherence to constitutional restrictions and another favoring an extension of Mnangagwa’s term. Mnangagwa is in the middle of his second and last term.
The plan to overturn the constitution and prolong Mnangagwa’s tenure until 2030 has received public support from a number of government ministers and members of Parliament.
According to New Zimbabawe, churches, civil society organizations, and opposition politicians have all strongly opposed the third-term drive. The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) called on the government to respect the constitution and good governance principles in a statement.
As the church, we support respecting the constitution, the rule of law, and responsible leadership. This necessitates a dedication to accountability and transparency in government,” the ZCC stated.
The group urged officials to make sure that policies uphold the rights of all Zimbabweans, especially those from marginalized communities, and foster inclusivity.
Leaders accused of undermining democracy and governance
The statement said that the people had lost faith in political leadership and state institutions because “the constitution and democracy have become tools for enriching a few elites, with those responsible for upholding them failing the nation.”
As a nation, we are in a position where our constitution and constitutional democracy have been reduced to tools for the protection and enrichment of a select few, meaning nothing to the great majority or the spirit of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
“The country is being let down by those tasked with defending our constitution. Our faith in the state institutions of our democracy, including Parliament and the judiciary, has diminished, as has our faith in political leadership across partisan divides.
