Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Crisis, A Threat to Regional Democracy and Stability

By Shingirai Vambe

Zimbabwe stands at a precarious crossroads, threatening to plunge into a constitutional crisis as President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ruling party pushes to extend his term to 2030. This move undermines the country’s democratic foundations, as the constitution explicitly limits a president to two five-year terms, with elections scheduled every five years, the next one being 2028.

The proposed extension has sparked widespread concern, with many Zimbabweans recognizing the need to familiarize themselves with the constitution to protect their democratic rights. The constitution is clear: any attempt to alter it for personal gain undermines its sanctity and sets a dangerous precedent for future leaders.

This crisis has been exacerbated by the ruling party’s dominance in parliament, which has enabled them to push through amendments without adequate public consultation or opposition. The situation demands immediate attention and action from Zimbabweans to safeguard their democracy and prevent further erosion of their constitutional rights.

However, Mnangagwa’s inner circle is actively lobbying for a third term, reflecting internal party dynamics that favor the extension of his presidency ². This move has been met with widespread resistance from citizens, who are supporting stalwart figures like Blessed Runesu Geza, in their push to avoid the 2030 agenda and prevent further corruption and abuse of power.

At the heart of this crisis is the role of parliament, which has been rendered useless due to its capture by the executive. Parliament’s failure to guide and avoid the abuse of power has enabled Mnangagwa and his cabal to push for a third term, despite the constitutional limitations.

Scholars have blamed citizens for failing to read and understand the constitution, as well as upholding it. This lack of understanding has been evident in the actions of legislators, who have fallen short of their own constitution, further enabling them to exercise their democratic rights.

Former Norton Legislator, Temba Mliswa told the Post On Sunday that, Zimbabweans by their numbers do not understand the constitution, which requires educations.

“Citizens don’t understand certain Act that govern even Rural and Urban Councils, the mines and minerals act, we are well educated, but not well read, and schooled there is a difference in you getting a distinction but not just understanding the role of certain institution, being street wise,” said Mliswa.

“It is upon the Legislators, for a very long time, for as long as we don’t take it to the people, it will be very difficult for the people to be able to understand the role of Parliament,” added Mliswa.

He further explained, it also educate the people even when they vote for their member of Parliament, who do they want? the criteria is very simple, 21 years of age, citizen of the country, which is not enough, even the noise makers can be in Parliament, it is up to the electorate to do due diligence on members they elect, those with the capacity to assimilate and cascade as well as educate citizens on the constitution.

Mliswa concluded by emphasizing that the electorate bears responsibility for the current state of Parliament, which has devolved into a “circus.” He questioned the notion that MPs are “clowns,” pointing out that they were elected by the people. Mliswa criticized Zanu PF MPs for asking sponsored questions, rather than engaging in self-reflection, which he believes would be more beneficial.

He also advocated for the President to be held accountable by attending Parliament to answer questions after each State of the Nation Address. However, Mliswa noted that proposing such a motion would be tantamount to committing a crime, requiring a Herculean effort to even suggest it. His remarks highlight the need for parliamentary reform and greater accountability in Zimbabwe’s government.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rise to power in 2017, following a military coup, marked the beginning of a series of constitutional changes aimed at consolidating his power. However, these amendments have not been designed to improve the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans.

In 2021, the constitution was amended to give the executive more control over the appointment of judges and the prosecutor general. This change, pushed through by Zanu PF’s parliamentary majority, altered the process of appointing and tenure of judges in the Supreme Court of Appeals and the Constitutional Court. As a result, the independence of the judiciary, which had been strengthened by the adoption of the new constitution, was severely eroded. This move was seen as a clear attack on democracy.

To make matters worse, the government is now proposing new constitutional amendments that will significantly alter Zimbabwe’s electoral processes. These changes include transferring voter registration from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to the Registrar General’s office and removing the delimitation responsibilities from the commission. Essentially, Zanu PF is pushing for a return to the pre-2009 system, reversing several progressive electoral reforms. If these amendments are passed, ZEC’s independence will be further compromised, and citizens’ trust in the electoral system will be severely undermined.

Fears of impending unrest have put Zimbabwe’s government on edge, with security forces working around the clock to maintain stability. The administration is walking a tightrope, trying to prevent chaos and maintain control in a volatile environment as Geza continue to push, asking President Mnangagwa to resign claiming he has put government business under the armpits of his wife and children.

The implications of this crisis are far-reaching. with political analysts fearing a wrong handwriting for the regional block. “furthermore, the extension of Mnangagwa’s term could also have significant regional implications. It could set a precedent for other leaders in the region to seek similar extensions, undermining democratic norms across Southern Africa,” said one analyst on x.

However, the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Francis Mudenda earlier told this publication that, the Constitution must be take and taught in all Primary and Secondary schools. The push to translate it into other official languages has also yielded good results as far as the law is concerned. Mudenda, time and again visit various institutions including Universities, lecturing on the roles of Parliament.

He has called for the teaching of the Constitution in schools and tertiary institutions to enable Zimbabweans to be aware of its provisions. Speaking during a Public Outreach Programme for Tertiary Institutions in Bindura  Adv Mudenda said: “Section 7 of the Constitution states that the State must promote public awareness of the national Constitution, in particular by requiring that it should be taught in schools.

“It should be part of the curricular for training of members of security services, the civil service and employees of public institutions.”

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