Zimbabwe politics heats up as ex-finance minister slams President Mnangagwa’s third term push, calling it a plan to protect elites.
Zimbabwe politics has taken a dramatic turn as former Finance Minister Tendai Biti strongly opposed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s alleged third term ambition, warning that it is part of a broader plan to safeguard corrupt interests.
During his press briefing the President indicated that the unconstitutional term extension effort would shield both Kudakwashe Tagwirei and entrenched economic cartels from harm.
The political observers of Zimbabwe agree that Biti’s declarations align with the increasing worrying sentiments among opposition leaders and civil society regarding authoritarian rule in the country.
The Constitution says a third term is forbidden according to Biti but he alleges that ZANU-PF uses this as a tool to help powerful individuals.
The government has turned into a “cleptocracy” because corrupt networks gain control of state power to serve their personal interests according to Biti’s assessment.
The government protects individuals who have been linked to financial scandals as well as those involved in the plunder of national wealth according to his assessment.
According to the former minister the Mnangagwa administration needs to focus on development and reforms but is instead devoting time to power consolidation.
Zimbabweans need to fight against any amendments to the Constitution which would permit a presidential term beyond two.
Political experts in Zimbabwe state that efforts to modify presidential term restrictions will worsen political turbulence in the country.
Political opposition together with civil rights organizations are activating to secure constitutional democracy by emphasizing both rule of law and election integrity for the next general elections.
The current political environment in Zimbabwe has become more intense following this latest move because government critics plan to prevent Mnangagwa from staying in power beyond his constitutional term.
