The United African National Council (UANC) has condemned a recently passed Cabinet resolution seeking to amend the Constitution to extend the terms of the President, Parliament and Senate, describing the move as “unfortunate” and undemocratic.
In a press statement yesterday, UANC spokesperson Aliphios Mapuranga accused the Zanu PF-led government of attempting to alter constitutional term limits after failing to secure support for a direct extension of the President’s tenure.
“The people’s Constitution is clear that a President serves a maximum of two terms. Any attempt to manipulate this provision goes against the will of the citizens,” Mapuranga said.
He further alleged that extending the terms of legislators beyond the constitutionally mandated five years amounts to undermining democratic principles. Mapuranga dismissed government claims that longer terms would accelerate national development, arguing that effective governance is not dependent on prolonged time in office.
“As a party, we say no to term extensions and the so-called 2030 agenda. What Zimbabwe needs is full adherence to the 2013 Constitution, strong anti-corruption policies and urgent economic recovery measures,” he said.
Mapuranga also highlighted deteriorating urban infrastructure, particularly roads, as evidence that the government should prioritise service delivery instead of constitutional amendments.
The government has indicated that the proposed changes are aimed at ensuring policy continuity and advancing development goals, though the matter is expected to generate debate across the political divide.