The Zimbabwe African National Congress (ZANC) has publicly endorsed the proposed amendments to Zimbabwe’s Constitution, expressing strong support for changes that would alter the method of electing the President and extend the presidential term of office.
In a statement released this week, ZANC said it supports the proposal to have the President elected by Members of Parliament rather than through direct popular vote. The party described the parliamentary model as “a legitimate democratic framework” that could enhance accountability between the Executive and the Legislature.
“Electing the President through Members of Parliament is a legitimate democratic model that can strengthen accountability between the Executive and the Legislature, while still preserving the people’s voice through their elected representatives,” the statement read.
The proposed amendments would also extend the presidential term from five to seven years. ZANC argued that the longer term would promote political stability and allow sufficient time for the implementation of comprehensive national development programmes.
“We support the extension of the Presidential term from five to seven years, as this will provide greater stability, policy continuity, and sufficient time for meaningful national development programmes to be implemented,” the party said.
According to ZANC, the changes represent an evolution of Zimbabwe’s governance framework and are intended to promote long-term progress.
“In our view, these changes represent an evolution of Zimbabwe’s governance framework aimed at promoting stability and long-term progress,” the statement concluded.
The proposed constitutional amendments have sparked debate across the political landscape, with supporters citing stability and continuity as key benefits, while critics have raised concerns about democratic representation and executive power. Parliament is expected to deliberate further on the proposals in the coming weeks.
