People's Unity Party (PUP) President Herbert Chamuka expressed deep concern over the ruling Zanu-PF party's recent acquisition of a two-thirds majority in parliament.
With the ruling party Zanu-PF now holding a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, they have the power to amend the constitution as they see fit. This includes the potential removal of the two-term limit for the presidency, a move that has sparked concern among opposition parties.
According to figures from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, Zanu-PF currently holds 190 out of the 280 seats in the National Assembly, having recently secured an additional six seats.
This development, fueled by the recall of several opposition members from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) followed by Zanu-PF victories in subsequent by-elections, has ignited fears of unchecked power.
Chamuka believes the CCC recalls, orchestrated by a "Zanu-PF project" disguised as CCC Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu, were strategically designed to weaken the opposition and pave the way for Zanu-PF dominance.
Talking to this publication from his South African base, he warned that the two-thirds majority grants Zanu-PF unchecked legislative power, raising concerns about potential manipulation of laws without any meaningful opposition.
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"Our future as citizens is now doomed with this two-thirds majority," Chamuka stated. "It gives Zanu-PF the power to decide the future of this country through laws, especially silencing any dissenting voices."
He extended these concerns to President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, urging him to resist advisors pushing for absolute control and instead embrace collaboration with opposition parties.
"President Mnangagwa won the 2023 elections, and that cannot be disputed," Chamuka acknowledged. "But wasting energy destroying the opposition is not good. We encourage him to join hands with the opposition parties to build a better future for Zimbabwe, not to dismantle the voices of dissent."
The ZANU-PF spokesperson, Farai Muroiwa Marapira, attributed his party's success to President Emmerson Mnangagwa's policies since he assumed office in 2017, succeeding the late Robert Mugabe.
“With this two-thirds majority, we will look to ensure that we process our legislation faster for the betterment of our country,” Marapira to VOA.
"ZANU-PF is the only party that has, from its inception, been focused only on ensuring that people of Zimbabwe are served and to the best of the requirements and ability," he added.