THE Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) has told President Emmerson Mnangagwa to uphold the Constitution by adhering to term limits and ensuring a peaceful and smooth transition of leadership when his term ends in 2028.
The call by the church, the most eloquent opposition to the proposed extension of Mnangagwa’s stay, will rattle Zanu PF at a time when the party appears to have swallowed opposition political parties.
The governing party has set in motion plans to extend Mnangagwa’s tenure armed with a resolution made at the party’s national people’s conference last year.
Mnangagwa’s constitutionally-mandated two terms end in 2028 with Zanu PF burning midnight oil to extend his stay by two years. Mnangagwa has however, stated that he has no wish to prolong his stay.
In a letter dated January 21, the churches said the call to extend the presidential term and postpone the 2028 elections is “an invitation for the President to be a co-conspirator in overthrowing the Constitution of the country which the President is elected to uphold, respect and defend”.
“Protecting the Constitution is key to safeguarding democracy, fostering trust and uniting Zimbabweans for a brighter, more stable future.
“The church remains steadfast in advocating for fairness, transparency and peace as we work together to strengthen our nation’s values and inspire hope for generations to come,” ZHOCD said.
The church urged all Zimbabweans to clearly pronounce themselves in support of the call to put Zimbabwe first and uphold the Constitution and all political parties to observe and adhere to the Constitution and laws of the country.
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It urged government to implement electoral reforms and promote multi-party democracy as the country prepares for the 2028 elections.
The church said lawmakers should ensure that they “contribute to the entrenchment of constitutionalism and play their oversight role on the Executive to uphold, respect and defend the Constitution by adhering to the Presidential term limits.
Political parties, it said, should observe and adhere to the Constitution and laws of Zimbabwe.
ZHOCD is an ecumenical body that brings together four apex ecumenical bodies in Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe Council of Churches, Evangelical Fellowship in Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference and Union of the Development of Apostolic Churches Zimbabwe Africa.
