Feb 13 β€’ 08:42 UTC 🌍 Africa AllAfrica

Zimbabwe: 'No Referendum, No Legitimacy' - FreeZim Congress Leader

The leader of the FreeZim Congress party, Joseph Makamba Busha, has criticized proposed constitutional amendments that would allow President Mnangagwa to extend his term until 2030, deeming them illegitimate without a public referendum.

The leader of the FreeZim Congress, Joseph Makamba Busha, has vocally opposed proposals aimed at amending Zimbabwe's Constitution to potentially extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term until 2030. Busha asserts that these amendments signify a troubling return to dictatorship and lack public consensus, claiming they are solely crafted to strengthen the ruling ZANU-PF party's control over the country. He emphasizes that any changes made without a national referendum cannot be deemed legitimate, framing the government's efforts as an attempt to maintain a grip on power rather than genuine constitutional reform.

In his interview, Busha articulated a stark rejection of the government's narrative that these proposed amendments are part of a larger developmental agenda, calling it a faΓ§ade. He highlighted that there has never been a concrete 'Vision 2030' for Zimbabwe, asserting that citizens have been misled repeatedly in the past. His comments reflect deep concerns regarding the sincerity of the government's commitments and a broader sentiment of disenchantment among Zimbabweans about their leadership's inability to adhere to constitutional principles.

This situation raises critical questions regarding Zimbabwe's political trajectory and the future of democracy in the country. The FreeZim Congress leader's denouncement of the proposed changes underscores the tension between the ruling party’s ambitions and the opposition's call for genuine democratic processes, including public involvement in constitutional matters. The implications of these proposed changes, if enacted, could further entrench authoritarianism in a country that has struggled with governance issues for years.

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