Harare, Zimbabwe – The Zimbabwe Presidential Alumni Association (ZPSAA) has publicly declared its support for Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, characterizing it as a pivotal legislative measure essential for advancing the nation’s long-term development objectives under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Addressing members of the media in Harare, Ms. Mollyn Karimunhenga, the association’s spokesperson and an MBA Finance holder, articulated the ZPSAA’s official stance. She underscored that the proposed extension of the presidential term from five to seven years is anticipated to significantly bolster policy continuity, enhance institutional stability, and facilitate the more effective implementation of national programs, particularly those aligned with the National Development Strategies.
The association’s leadership, including Chairman Roncemore Mhlanga (LLB), Vice Chairman Dr. Limukane Mathe, Treasurer General Paul Chairuka (MSc Finance and Investment), and Secretary General Liberty Munyuki (BComm Economics and Business Management), reaffirmed their commitment to evidence-based policy advocacy.
They highlighted that Zimbabwe’s ambitious economic transformation agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure modernization, human capital development, and industrial growth, necessitates sustained leadership cycles to achieve its full potential.
The ZPSAA leadership further contended that the Second Republic has already made notable strides in fostering indigenous entrepreneurship and improving social mobility. However, they stressed that longer governance timeframes are crucial for consolidating these gains, especially in the face of ongoing economic challenges, including the persistent impact of Western sanctions.
Drawing on international examples, the association cited countries such as Azerbaijan and Egypt, where extended presidential terms have, in their view, contributed to large-scale infrastructure development and economic expansion. In the Zimbabwean context, the ZPSAA emphasized that reducing the frequency of electoral cycles could yield substantial fiscal benefits.
They pointed out that the 2023 harmonized elections incurred an approximate cost of US$188 million, arguing that frequent elections often introduce policy uncertainty and fiscal strain, which can impede investment and overall economic stability.
Furthermore, the association commended the recent public hearings concerning the constitutional amendment, describing them as orderly, inclusive, and demonstrative of participatory governance.
Members asserted that this consultative process aligns with constitutional provisions for public engagement and reflects a commitment to citizen involvement in shaping national policy.
They concluded that the proposed reforms are not merely political in nature but are fundamentally geared towards strengthening Zimbabwe’s governance framework to support macroeconomic stability, foster investment confidence, and ensure sustainable national development.
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