Activists warn against moves to amend Constitution

Civil society activists say the Zimbabwe Government has failed to justify its intention to amend the Constitution. A TimesLIVE report notes that they say the ruling Zanu-PF is seeking to manipulate the elections through legal channels while claiming to be acting in the public's interest, the activists said. ‘We questioned whether these amendments are necessary. The Attorney-General's office does not have an answer. If you ask the Justice Minister (Ziyambi Ziyambi), he will cite certain provisions to make it appear as if they are doing this in the public interest. But in actual fact, this is about Zanu-PF and the 2023 elections,’ said Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum representative Wilbert Mandinde. The constitutional law expert said the most topical issue, the ‘running mate’ concept covered by clauses two to nine, is the main cause of concern. Didimus Dewa, a lecturer from the Zimbabwe Open University, said Zanu-PF lost its grip on power in 2013 and now seeks to amend the Constitution to suit its needs.