ZSD President….Nkosikhona Ndlovu
Stephen Chadenga
Opposition Zimbabwe Socio-Economic Democrats (ZSD) president, Nkosikhona Ndlovu has taken a swipe at President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s supporters who continue to call for an extension of his term in office describing the rhetoric as unconstitutional and a dangerous political move.
Mnangagwa has on several times said he would not seek a third term in office beyond 2028, when the country is expected to hold general elections.
In an interview yesterday Ndlovu however said Mnangagwa’s allies who continue to chant the 2030 slogan are bend on subverting Zimbabwe’s democratic future through political opportunism and personal ambition.
“This is a dangerous and mischievous political manoeuvre designed to test the limits of the people’s tolerance and the fragility of our institutions,”Ndlovu said.
“Zimbabwe’s constitution, the supreme law of the land clearly defines the presidential term limits. Any attempt to bypass the 2028 elections or to extend a presidential term without due constitutional process would amount to an outright violation of this sacred national document.
“To allow such an act would set a perilous precedent, effectively dismantling the democratic order that Zimbabweans fought so hard to achieve.”
Ndlovu urged all Zimbabweans including political actors, civic organisations and faith leaders to defend the constitution “by every constitutional means available.”
He said if people remained complacent they were inviting future tyranny.
“We must remain vigilant for democratic processes, constitutional term limits and the sovereignty of the people’s vote,”he said.
“The 2030 slogan is not a sign of progress. It is a signal of democratic decay.
“True leadership is measured not by years one clings to power but by one’s respect for the constitution and the will of the people. The constitution belongs to the citizens not to any political party or individual leader.”
He said his party condemned in the “strongest possible terms” any attempt direct or indirect to subvert the constitutional order.