By Correspondent
ZANU PF plans to extend President Mnangagwa’s term to 2030 were the hot topic during a town hall meeting on Nkulumane by-elections in Bulawayo on Wednesday.
Various speakers argued against the initiative with the majority of the audience agreeing.
Alderman Rodney Jele, a former councillor, argued against 2030 while referencing his involvement in the drafting process.
“I was part of the people who participated in the making of the constitution.”Its clear that the term of office is five years.
“I say no to the 2030 move and elections should be held in 2028.”
Mbuso Fuzwayo, who has already filed an application with the Constitutional Court to block the plan called for Parliamentary resistance.
“The issue around the constitutional amendment should be resisted in Parliament.
“We should vote against that extension, the constitution must be protected and promoted.
“ZANU-PF party has announced plans to initiate a constitutional process that would see President Mnangagwa, 83, remain in power until 2030.
That is, two years beyond his constitutionally mandated departure date of 2028 after serving two elected terms.
Legal experts have cautioned that any such extension would require a constitutional amendment and two referendums.
However, ZANU PF argues that there is no need for referendums.
The issues has drawn so much controversy and debates.
Nkulumane By-Elections
The Nkulumane by-election will fill the National Assembly seat left vacant following the tragic death Desire Moyo, in a road accident on October 10 this year.
Aspiring candidates took part in the town hall meeting engaging with residents over various issues.
Participants included Freedom Murechu (ZANU-PF), Mothusi Ndlovu aka Madlela Skhobokhobo- (Citizens Coalition for Change – CCC) and Vivian Viyo Sibanda (Zapu).
The others were Ethel Sibanda (MDC-T), Alderman Rodney Jele (Independent), and Mbuso Fuzwayo (Independent).
Three candidates did not attend the town hall debate.
These are Esther Excellia Zitha (Widow of the late legislator Moyo), Alson Moyo (Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Nompilo Ncube-Malaba (Zimbabwe African National Congress (ZANC).
