By Staff Writer
HARARE – The United African National Council (UANC) has called on the government to withdraw Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) or subject it to a national referendum, arguing that public consultations have revealed widespread opposition to the proposed constitutional changes.
The party’s call comes amid growing resistance to the Bill, including opposition from retired liberation war commanders and generals who issued a statement on Tuesday rejecting the proposed amendments.
In a press statement, UANC Secretary General and party spokesperson Aliphios Mapuranga said the outcome of the 90-day public consultation process showed that Zimbabweans were not in favour of the Bill.
“The ninety days of public consultation on the CAB3 Bill are over and the public has spoken their will. Political stakeholders have also spoken, civil society has also put its weight and above all the international community has also spoken their hearts out,” said Mapuranga.
“The one resolution is clear: drop it or go to the referendum period.”
Mapuranga accused Cabinet of creating a political crisis by endorsing constitutional changes without a clear mandate from the people.
“As UANC we warned that Cabinet had no mandate to push for constitutional change. Today the country is at a crossroads because of that. Cabinet has put both ZANU PF and government in a very precarious position,” he said.
The opposition party also welcomed the intervention of retired military commanders who publicly opposed the Bill, saying their position reflected growing national concern over the proposed amendments.
“As UANC we would like to thank the retired generals who have stood their ground and said no to the Bill. It is clear that the Bill is not welcome,” Mapuranga said.
He added that former liberation fighters from different political and military formations had fought for democratic principles that should not be compromised.
“Despite the fact that we went to the liberation war in different groups and affiliations, we were all fighting for our land and above all for one man, one vote, not what the Bill advocates for,” he said.
The party urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to heed public sentiment and abandon the proposed amendments.
“As UANC we would like the President not to try the people who claim to have given him the mandate to lead. He should listen to them and do the right thing by dropping the Bill. The voice of the people is the voice of God, so respect it,” said Mapuranga.
UANC also called on Members of Parliament to support calls for a referendum, arguing that elected representatives should respect the wishes of their constituents.
“The people you represent are saying bring the Bill back to us to decide through a referendum. We warn you to respect the people who trusted you by standing with them and voting for the Bill to go back to a referendum,” he said.
The party further argued that constitutional amendments affecting the office of the sitting President should be subjected to a referendum and should not directly benefit the incumbent.
As UANC we believe the Constitution is clear that such matters involving the sitting President should go to a referendum. Also, the law is clear that the sitting President should not benefit from such an amendment,” Mapuranga said.
The debate over CAB3 has intensified in recent weeks, with civil society organisations, opposition parties and some former senior military figures expressing concern over provisions they argue could alter key constitutional safeguards and governance principles.
UANC concluded by urging Zimbabweans to remain united in defending constitutional democracy.
“We urge the whole country to remain united and say no to this controversial Bill that seeks to silence you in choosing your leader,” said Mapuranga.
