Tshabangu is
instead pursuing dialogue to facilitate the extension of Mnangagwa's term of
office by two years to 2030.
However,
constitutional lawyers say extending a presidential term limit requires a
complex law-making process involving constitutional amendments and a
referendum. Zimbabwe has previously held referenda in 2000 and 2013, when the
current Constitution, setting twoterm limits, was adopted.
Earlier this
year, civil society organisations under Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition resolved
to unite and mobilise for a “No” vote in any referendum aimed at extending
Mnangagwa’s term of office.
But Tshabangu
said a referendum was not necessary, adding that dialogue was “urgent”.
“Zimbabwe needs
urgent dialogue,” Tshabangu said. “A referendum, by definition, is an election.
It is an election of a special type. If our thesis is that elections are a
waste of time, fruitless expenditure of scarce national resources and fuel
toxicity in our national politics, it ought to follow that anything that
creates an election mood, resembles an election or election environment should
and will not be part of the tool kit to fix the country. There is no
constitutional need for a referendum. A referendum is not necessary.”
Tshabangu said
he would use Parliament, which he described as a legitimate platform, to push
dialogue towards achieving the suspension of elections.
“Since no one
disputes the legitimacy of Parliament, through the leadership of Members of
Parliament, as a legitimate organ of the State and representative of the people
of Zimbabwe, we need national dialogue, reconciliation and national consensus
on things which are agreed to be national fundamentals,” he said.
“As we have
said, to the extent 2030 is a legitimate political objective, it cannot be an
end in itself. It is possible to achieve these national objectives without a
referendum and at the same time be faithful to the Constitution. There will be
no violation of the Constitution. It is possible to achieve both in a
constitutionally-compliant way.”
Critics argue
that Mnangagwa allies' 2030 ambitions are unattainable without opposition
support.
Tshabangu wants
a government of national unity with Mnangagwa, during which time elections will
be suspended. Newsday
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