Zimbabwe is a beautiful country  the home of Victoria Falls, rich land, and resilient people. For many years Zimbabweans have lived through difficult governance but have held on to one important hope: that every citizen will always have the right to choose their leaders and shape the future of our nation.

Today that right is under threat.

The government is proposing changes to the Constitution that could take away the people’s direct right to vote for their President and concentrate more power in the hands of a few politicians.

This is not just a political issue.

It is about our vote, our voice, and our future.

1. Taking Away the People’s Right to Choose the President

The proposed changes would remove the right of citizens to directly elect the President.

Instead, the President would be chosen by Members of Parliament. This means ordinary Zimbabweans would no longer choose their leader themselves.

2. Extending Presidential Terms

The amendment would increase the presidential term from five years to seven years and allow this change to apply to the current President.

Many Zimbabweans fear this could allow leaders to remain in power longer than originally agreed when the Constitution was adopted.

3. Giving the President More Control Over Parliament

The amendment would allow the President to appoint ten additional senators directly.

This increases presidential influence over Parliament and could weaken the balance of power between institutions of government.

If Parliament also chooses the President, it could mean a President is chosen by politicians who were partly appointed by the President himself.

4. Weakening Institutions that Protect Women and Human Rights

The proposed amendments would remove or weaken important independent bodies that protect citizens’ rights.

This includes abolishing the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission and removing the Zimbabwe Gender Commission as an independent institution.

The Zimbabwe Gender Commission plays an important role in protecting women from discrimination, promoting gender equality, and ensuring women’s rights are respected.

Removing these institutions could weaken protections for women and reduce the country’s ability to address gender discrimination, political violence, and injustice.

At a time when many women in Zimbabwe already face economic hardship, violence, and unequal opportunities, weakening institutions that protect women’s rights raises serious concerns.

Risks for Zimbabwe’s Economy
Zimbabwe already faces serious economic challenges, including; High government debt, Currency instability and Low investor confidence. 

Weakening democratic institutions and the rule of law could make it even harder for Zimbabwe to attract investment and rebuild the economy.

A Call to Zimbabweans and Citizens of the World

Zimbabwe belongs to its people  not to politicians or political parties.

We call on Zimbabweans at home and abroad, and on the wider Zimbabwean diaspora across the world, to stand together in defence of the right of citizens to choose their leaders freely.

We also call on citizens of the world who care about democracy, human rights, and women’s rights to stand with the people of Zimbabwe at this critical moment.

The Constitution of Zimbabwe was built on the hope that the voices of all citizens would matter. Those voices must not be taken away.

Now is the time to speak up and act.

#Our Vote Matters.

#Our Voice Matters.

#Our Future Matters.