UANC Distances Itself from Gwinyai Muzorewa’s Support for CAB3

HARARE — The United African National Council (UANC) led by Percy Chigodora has distanced itself from remarks by rival politician Gwinyai Muzorewa supporting Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), insisting the proposed constitutional changes should either be subjected to a national referendum or withdrawn.

In a statement issued on Saturday, UANC Secretary-General and party spokesperson Aliphios Mapuranga said the views expressed by Gwinyai Muzorewa did not represent the party founded by the late Bishop Abel Muzorewa.

“We consider it necessary to clarify that Gwinyai Muzorewa’s views do not represent the position of the United African National Council founded by the late Bishop Abel Muzorewa, later led by the late Nesbert Mtengezanwa and now under the leadership of President Percy Chigodora,” Mapuranga said.

The party said it had opposed CAB3 from its inception, arguing that Cabinet lacked the constitutional authority to initiate such far-reaching constitutional amendments without first obtaining the consent of Zimbabweans through a referendum.

Mapuranga said the party maintained its position even after the conclusion of the 90-day public consultation process, claiming that many stakeholders rejected the proposed constitutional changes.

“Our position remains that the only democratic way forward is either to subject CAB3 to a referendum or withdraw it altogether,” he said.

The statement also sought to distinguish Chigodora’s UANC from the faction led by Gwinyai Muzorewa. According to Mapuranga, Muzorewa unsuccessfully challenged the party’s leadership in the High Court in 2018 under Case No. HC 5353/18 but has continued to operate under the UANC name.

The latest exchange highlights divisions within the UANC over Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which has generated debate among political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

While Gwinyai Muzorewa has publicly backed the proposed constitutional amendments, the Chigodora-led UANC says it will continue advocating for a referendum, arguing that Zimbabweans should have the final say on any changes to the Constitution.Efforts to get a comment from Gwinyai Muzorewa were unsuccessful.