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Zimbabwe bill to scrap presidential elections sparks backlash

From Al Jazeera · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Zimbabwean lawmakers approved a bill to replace direct presidential elections with a parliamentary vote.
  • Supporters claim the change promotes policy continuity, while opponents fear it weakens democratic accountability and strengthens the ruling party.
  • The bill, which passed the National Assembly, now moves to the Senate and requires a two-thirds majority for constitutional amendment.

Zimbabwean lawmakers have approved a controversial bill that would replace direct presidential elections with a vote by parliament, a move sparking backlash from critics who fear it undermines democratic principles. Supporters argue the change will ensure policy continuity and enhance national progress.

I just cannot believe that these are the people who want to elect a president on behalf of everyone. Only 210 members of parliament vote on behalf of a population of 15 million. It is preposterous.

— Barnabas GuraA Harare resident expressing strong opposition to the bill's proposed change in presidential election method.

The Constitutional Amendment Bill No 3 passed the National Assembly with 216 votes in favor and 42 against. If passed by the Senate, it will amend the 2013 Constitution by establishing a system where the president is elected by a joint sitting of the Senate and National Assembly. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, the bill's sponsor, has defended the proposal, stating it is not an abandonment of the constitutional order but a refinement based on practical experience. He dismissed claims that the bill extends presidential terms or concentrates power.

It is not an abandonment of our constitutional order in any way, shape or form but a continuation of it. It is a product of practical and experience of institutional reflection and of honesty that after more than a decade of implementation of certain provisions of the constitution requires refinement to enhance their functionality, coherence and their service to national progress.

— Ziyambi ZiyambiThe Justice Minister defending the bill in parliament.

However, opponents dispute this interpretation. They argue the proposed changes would significantly strengthen President Emmerson Mnangagwa's control over the political system and could allow him to remain in office beyond his current term, which ends in 2028. Critics like Barnabas Gura, a 38-year-old from Harare, find the idea of 210 members of parliament electing a president for 15 million citizens "preposterous."

This bill does not give the president a term extension or a third term. It does not take away the right to vote. It does not postpone elections. It does not concentrate power or the running of elections in the hands of the president.

— Ziyambi ZiyambiThe Justice Minister addressing specific concerns about the bill's impact on presidential terms and electoral power.

Supporters, including members of the ruling ZANU-PF party and the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), believe the bill will foster long-term policy continuity. They contend it gives Mnangagwa more time to implement his development agenda. Gura, however, remains unconvinced, stating that Mnangagwa has failed to improve the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans during his eight years in power, with benefits only reaching those close to the ruling elite. ZANU-PF has been in power since Zimbabwe's independence in 1980.

Mnangagwa has failed for the past eight years. Only a few who are close to the ruling class are benefiting. More time will not make any difference.

— Barnabas GuraA resident criticizing the president's performance and doubting the benefits of extended tenure.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Al Jazeera. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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