Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, remained unusually quiet as residents braced for the aftermath of a call for a nationwide shutdown in opposition to constitutional changes. With fewer vehicles on the roads and a heightened security presence, the city exuded a subdued atmosphere, reflecting the unease among its people. The morning rush hour, typically a hallmark of a working day, was absent, allowing for an unexpectedly smooth journey into the central business district. The contrast in traffic patterns highlighted the impact of the shutdown call.
By mid-morning, parts of Harare’s central business district began to regain some of its usual rhythm. Some shops and taxi services opened for business, while others remained closed, possibly due to lingering fears of protests. Despite this, the visible deployment of police forces underscored the government’s readiness to manage any potential demonstrations. Public gatherings in Zimbabwe require police approval, a rule that opposition groups have repeatedly criticized as a barrier to peaceful protest.
The constitutional controversy
The constitutional amendments in question were enacted in July and include significant changes to the political landscape. The next presidential election, originally set for 2028, has been moved to 2030. Additionally, presidential and parliamentary terms have been extended from five years to seven. A notable shift is the method of selecting future presidents. Instead of being directly chosen by voters, the president will now be elected by parliament. Critics, particularly opposition groups, argue that these changes could enable President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his time in office until 2030, fueling widespread concerns about political accountability.
Reactions from opposition and the ruling party
Godfrey Gurira, a veteran of Zimbabwe’s liberation war, voiced his strong opposition to the constitutional amendments. He described them as a betrayal of the principles he and fellow freedom fighters had dedicated their lives to. During the liberation struggle, the vision was clear: 'one man, one vote,' a principle that, he argues, is being undermined by these changes. The amendments, he believes, set the stage for a dynasty rather than democratic governance. For Gurira and others, these changes signify a stark departure from the ideals fought for during the nation’s independence.
On the other hand, the ruling ZANU-PF party, which has held power in Zimbabwe since 1980, defends the constitutional changes as necessary measures to reduce political tensions. Farai Marapira, the party’s information and publicity director, explained that the amendments were designed to address a recurring pattern of conflict during the five-year electoral cycle. He pointed out that the first two years of each cycle often involve disputes over previous elections, while the third year is marked by intense mobilization for the next election. According to Marapira, these changes would shorten the period of heightened political tension, providing a more stable environment.
Despite these assurances, opposition groups maintain that the amendments undermine democratic accountability. They are currently challenging the changes in the Constitutional Court, seeking to have them invalidated. As the city returned to a semblance of normalcy by the afternoon, the dispute remains unresolved. Harare’s streets may now appear busy again, but the underlying political divide shows no sign of easing.