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Don\u2019t Tamper With Constitution, War Veteran Challenges Mnangagwa<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
By A Correspondent\u2013 A senior liberation war veteran has cautioned President Emmerson Mnangagwa against endorsing the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, warning that doing so would trigger serious fallout from former fighters.<\/p>\n
Former Masvingo Provincial War Veterans chairperson Isaah Muzenda said the President risks alienating liberation war veterans if he proceeds to sign the Bill into law.<\/p>\n
In an interview with Masvingo Mirror last week, Muzenda acknowledged that constitutional reform discussions within Cabinet and Parliament are legally permissible.<\/p>\n
However, he insisted that approving the final legislation would amount to overstepping.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is his constitutional right to allow debate in Cabinet and Parliament,\u201d Muzenda said. \u201cBut the moment he signs that Bill into law, that will be the final straw.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said many war veterans are deeply dissatisfied with the proposed changes and are following the process closely. According to Muzenda, liberation fighters would not stand by if the reforms undermine democratic principles they believe were secured through the struggle.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs war veterans we are carefully watching this process. We are definitely going to act if what we fought and suffered for is compromised. To begin with, we have already taken the matter to court,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Muzenda specifically objected to a reported provision that would allow the President to be chosen by Parliament instead of through a direct vote by citizens. He argued that such a shift would violate constitutional norms and criticised the apparent absence of plans for a referendum.<\/p>\n
\u201cMnangagwa\u2019s amendment has a provision that says the president be elected by Parliament as opposed to direct popular vote. This is so unconstitutional. The situation is worsened by the intention not to hold a referendum,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He further accused the current leadership of being disconnected from the country\u2019s interests, claiming Zimbabwe\u2019s governance problems stem from leaders who do not prioritise national welfare.<\/p>\n
\u201cZimbabwe is in this mess because it has been in the hands of foreigners for too long. It\u2019s an open secret that Mugabe was a Malawian.<\/p>\n
We won\u2019t allow the mutilation of our Constitution by leaders who have no interest of the country,\u201d said Muzenda.<\/p>\n
His remarks come as debate intensifies nationwide over the proposed constitutional amendments, which have drawn both support and strong resistance from various quarters.<\/p>\n
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