Zimbabweans Express Concern Over Proposed Constitutional Changes

Zimbabwe Holds Public Hearings on Proposed Constitutional Amendment

Harare, Zimbabwe - The government of Zimbabwe has hosted four days of public hearings across the country to gather opinions on a proposed constitutional amendment that would extend the term of the current president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, to 2030. The amendment, known as CAB3, also changes presidential and legislative terms from five to seven years while giving parliament the power to elect the president.

The public hearings were held at various venues across Zimbabwe, including Chitungwiza’s main aquatic complex, where a heated debate took place among attendees. Some supporters of the bill claimed that it would reduce incidents of political violence by allowing parliamentarians to elect the president. Others expressed concerns about the potential for the government to force through changes despite public opposition.

During one of the hearings in Epworth, a densely populated working-class area south of Harare, residents shared their views on the proposed amendment. Mike Kashiri, a resident, stated that he supports the bill, citing its potential to reduce violence during presidential elections. Ishmael Phololo, a cellphone technician, disagreed, arguing that legislators are too detached from the suffering of ordinary citizens and should not be allowed to vote for the president on their behalf.

The government’s intentions behind the proposed amendment became clear in February when the cabinet approved the move to amend the constitution. The cabinet statement cited “enhancing political stability and policy continuity” as reasons for the proposed changes. The public hearings are part of a consultative process, allowing citizens to provide input on the proposed amendments before they are considered by parliament.

The outcome of the public hearings is yet to be determined, but it is clear that opinions on the proposed amendment are divided among Zimbabweans.

Source: Al Jazeera