Zimbabwe term extension sparks arrest calls

by AKANI CHAUKE 
JOHANNESBURG – CITIZENS Watch Zimbabwe (CWZ) has called for the arrest of government officials and ruling party legislators it accuses of undermining the Constitution by supporting the extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond the current limit.

CWZ President Patience Chard said ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs) and political figures involved in the constitutional amendment process must be held accountable, arguing that the decision should have been subjected to a national referendum.

In an exclusive interview with CAJ News Africa on Tuesday, Chard described the move as a serious threat to constitutional democracy and said Zimbabweans had been denied their right to directly decide on a matter affecting the country’s future leadership.

“The Constitution belongs to the people of Zimbabwe. It was created through a people-driven process, and no small group of politicians should have the power to alter it without seeking the consent of citizens,” Chard argued.

She accused ruling party officials and lawmakers who supported the amendment of placing political interests above the will of the people.

“Those who participated in changing the constitutional framework without giving Zimbabweans their rightful voice must be held accountable. The people cannot simply watch as their democratic rights are taken away,” she said.

The controversy has triggered anger among sections of Zimbabweans both inside the country and in the diaspora, with critics arguing that constitutional changes affecting presidential terms require broad public participation to maintain legitimacy.

Chard said constitutional amendments carried out without meaningful public involvement risk weakening confidence in democratic institutions and creating long-term political instability.

She also raised concerns over what she described as increasing restrictions on peaceful protest and freedom of expression in Zimbabwe.

Chard cited the arrest of activist Bhekimpilo Mbedzi, alleging that he was detained for peacefully expressing his views through a protest involving a placard.

“Peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right. Citizens should not be treated as criminals for exercising freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution,” Chard said.

She criticised the use of security forces to prevent peaceful demonstrations, saying the role of police and other state agencies in a democracy should be to protect citizens’ rights while maintaining public order.

“The moment people begin fearing arrest, intimidation or violence for speaking out, democracy starts to suffer,” Chard said.

She urged Zimbabwean authorities to respect constitutional freedoms, encourage dialogue and address public concerns through democratic processes rather than restrictions.

The government has previously defended constitutional processes undertaken through Parliament, while critics continue to call for greater public involvement in decisions affecting national governance.

– CAJ News