Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Zimeye
Published on 2024-04-07 04:08:34
President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently sat down for an exclusive question-and-answer interview with a Zanu PF aligned magazine. In this interview, he addressed the speculation surrounding a potential amendment to the Constitution that would allow him to run for a third presidential term. Mnangagwa emphatically stated that such rumors were unfounded and misplaced.
Despite the imaginative nature of Zimbabweans and their willingness to dream, Mnangagwa reiterated his commitment to upholding the Constitution and respecting democratic processes. He made it clear that neither ZANU PF nor he himself had ever entertained the idea of violating the Constitution. While he acknowledged the freedom of the people to dream, he emphasized that the Constitution remained unchanged.
The discussion turned to the legal procedures involved in amending the Constitution to extend presidential term limits. Section 91 of the Constitution outlines the conditions under which a person can be disqualified from running for president after serving two terms. Any amendment to this section would require a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the Senate. Furthermore, Section 328 (7) prohibits the extension of an incumbent’s term in office, necessitating a referendum for any amendments to this provision.
President Mnangagwa made it clear that he had no intention of seeking re-election beyond his second term. In a previous interview, he stated that his current term would be his last, reaffirming his commitment to the stability, modernization, and industrialization of Zimbabwe. He reiterated the importance of the country’s vision and self-reliance in achieving progress, emphasizing that external support could only supplement the nation’s efforts.
When discussing constitutional amendments, Mnangagwa highlighted the importance of following due process and respecting the will of the people. He emphasized that constitutions should reflect the interests of the country and serve the people effectively. If a constitution no longer aligns with the needs of the nation, it should be amended through a transparent and inclusive process. Mnangagwa stressed the need for constitutional democracies to uphold the rule of law and respect the principles of governance.
In conclusion, President Mnangagwa’s interview shed light on his commitment to upholding the Constitution, respecting democratic principles, and not seeking re-election beyond his current term. He emphasized the importance of following legal procedures for amending the Constitution and reiterated the need for constitutions to evolve with the changing needs of the country. Mnangagwa’s remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of good governance, respect for the rule of law, and the democratic process in Zimbabwe.
Read the original article on The Zimbabwe Eye
