Churches in Zimbabwe are urging the government to respect the Constitution as factions within Zanu PF debate the possibility of extending President Mnangagwa’s term. The Zimbabwe Council of Churches condemns the trend of using the Constitution to benefit elite individuals, calling for greater transparency and accountability in governance. They stress the importance of inclusivity and protecting marginalized groups’ rights to regain public trust in political institutions.
Church leaders in Zimbabwe are pressing the government to respect the rule of law and uphold the Constitution amid heightened discussions regarding President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s potential third term. The ruling party, Zanu PF, faces internal strife, with factions split between those favoring an extension of Mnangagwa’s presidency and those advocating for adherence to existing constitutional limits.
Several ministers and parliament members have openly supported the proposal to extend Mnangagwa’s rule until 2030, which has drawn significant criticism from opposition politicians, civil society groups, and religious organizations. The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has publicly emphasized the importance of the Constitution and good governance and called for leaders to commit to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity for all Zimbabweans.
The ZCC’s statement highlighted the concerning trend where the Constitution and democracy are being exploited by a select few elites. This manipulation has resulted in a growing disillusionment with political leadership and trust in state institutions. The church pointed out that these failures undermine the very foundation of democracy and disregard the principles established during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
The ZCC asserted: “As a country, we find ourselves in a situation where our constitution and constitutional democracy have become nothing more than instruments of protecting and enriching a few individuals.” They emphasized that the obligation to uphold the Constitution has not been met, leading to significant erosion of public trust in leadership and judicial processes throughout the nation.
In summary, the call from the Zimbabwean churches for adherence to the Constitution and principle of good governance reflects deep concerns over political integrity and public trust. As factions within Zanu PF push for increased presidential powers, the churches warn that the Constitution is being wielded for personal enrichment at the expense of the general populace. This situation highlights the urgent need for prioritizing inclusivity and protecting the rights of all citizens to restore faith in Zimbabwe’s political system.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
