By Advent Shoko
Zimbabwe’s exiled former Information Minister and Political Science Professor, Jonathan Moyo, has reminded the nation that the intended shift to indirect presidential elections would not be unprecedented. Moyo who also studied Law at the University of Zimbabwe, Moyo highlighted that the direct election of the president was only introduced in 1990. He said:
“Between 1980 and 1990 the head of the executive in Zimbabwe was not directly elected. The direct election of the President was first introduced in 1990 under Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No.7 (Act 23 of 1987) which inaugurated the Executive Presidency.
Within SADC, in Angola the President is elected indirectly in terms of the 2010 Constitution. Voters elect members of the National Assembly (Parliament), and the individual at the top of the candidate list for the political party that wins the most seats automatically becomes the President. Direct presidential elections in Angola were last held in 1992!”
Moyo’s remarks come as Cabinet recently adopted Amendment 3 of the Constitution, which extends President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term to 2030 and transfer the right to elect the president from the people to members of Parliament.
The amendment has sparked intense debate. Several civic groups, political parties, law experts, and members of the public have opposed it, describing the move as a grave erosion of human rights and a blatant attack on democracy itself. Legal challenges have been launched, but critics argue these are largely symbolic, set up to fail, and ultimately give legality to the amendment.
On the other hand, former leader of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Nelson Chamisa is urging Zimbabweans to rather focus on addressing the 2023 elections, which he maintains were rigged. He remarks that the current constitutional challenges are a sign that the incumbent leaders lack legitimacy to lead the nation. He says legitimacy from the people remains the cornerstone of democratic reform.
Observers, however, note that if Chamisa had continued to contest the results while the international community, including SADC, which condemned the 2023 polls as falling short of required standards, was actively watching, the outcome might have been different. However, by taking a two-year sabbatical, he missed that critical window, and today the international focus has largely moved on, making any legal or political challenge far more difficult.
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