By Correspondent
Violence broke out at a public hearing for Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 at Nketa Hall in Bulawayo on Monday, following submissions by human rights activist Sheilla Mujakachi.
Mujakachi’s testimony against the bill, which proposes extending the presidential term from five to seven years, ended the session abruptly.
The commotion was triggered after she removed her outer top and headgear to reveal a T-shirt inscribed with “NO TO 2030 Agenda.”
The crowd immediately accused her of wearing political regalia and mobbed her.
Mujakachi was forced to flee for her life as members of the public and suspected ZANU PF members pursued and assaulted her.
According to the law all those wearing military uniforms, signs of ranks, flags or badges and political party regalia are not allowed access to hearings.
Controversial Bill
The most controversial aspect of the CAB3 is the shift from a five-year to a seven-year presidential term.
Also raising anger is the proposed shift from direct elections of Presidents to a scenario where only MPs vote for him.
Critics argue this undermines the 2013 Constitution, which was designed to prevent “big man” politics by limiting executive power.
The “NO TO 2030 Agenda” slogan has come to encapsulate a direct resistance to the pro-CAB3 camp using the “ED2030 slogan.”
President Mnangagwa’s current and final legal term ends in 2028.
However, some factions within the ruling party are allegedly pushing for him to stay in power until 2030.
This they intend to do by either extending terms or bypassing the two-term limit.
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