Madzivanyika slams Zanu PF ‘vote-buying’ ahead of Constitutional Amendment Bill hearings
By Norman Mwale [The PenPusher]
The Zanu PF-led government’s distribution of groceries and bicycles at a Mhondoro-Mubaira rally ahead of the Constitutional Amendment Bill #3 has sparked allegations of ‘vote-buying’ and raised concerns about the bill’s legitimacy.
According to Zimbabwean constitutional law, specifically Section 328, certain amendments require a national referendum, and the current bill’s proposals, including extending presidential and parliamentary terms, have sparked debate about whether they necessitate a referendum.
The Mnangagwa regime’s intention appears to be consolidating power and extending tenure, with the proposed amendments aiming to increase presidential authority while weakening mechanisms for popular participation and democratic accountability. Critics argue that this undermines democratic principles and prioritises elite interests over citizens’ rights.
Opposition figures and civil society groups perceive these actions as attempts to manipulate public opinion and suppress dissent.
The Election Resource Centre Africa (ERC) warns that the proposed amendments represent a “profound departure” from democratic standards, while the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) and other groups are actively resisting the bill’s passage.
Mbizo MP Corban Madzivanyika, a prominent opposition spokesperson and vocal advocate for citizens’ rights, slammed Zanu PF’s tactics, saying, “The distribution of bicycles and other goodies by Zanu PF in the run-up to the public hearings is actually an attempt to influence citizens to potentially change their positions.
“The idea is not that Zanu PF loves the people. The idea is to ensure that we influence public hearings. It’s actually vote buying; if it was an election. It amounts to vote buying.”
He further emphasised the need for stringent security measures at public hearings, urging authorities to ensure that venues are adequately monitored by police and other government agencies to prevent disruptions and maintain orderly proceedings.
The distribution of doles to attendees raises questions about vote-buying and electoral manipulation.
Constitutional lawyer Advocate Thabani Moyo argues that the bill’s proposals violate constitutional referendum requirements and prioritise elite interests.
Reports indicate Zanu PF has distributed doles in several areas:
In Nkulumane Constituency, food hampers were given to elderly people and empowerment funds for young women were announced, with a US$500,000 donation from President Mnangagwa reportedly to boost support for the bill.
In Epworth Ward 6, the party promised 15 solar-powered boreholes, 5 millionaires from Epworth, and 3,000 food hampers every month to residents allegedly to garner support.
In Masvingo Urban, rice, sugar, and cooking oil were distributed to households, raising concerns about vote-buying.
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) reported partisan distribution of state aid in Gokwe, Chirumhanzu, Buhera, and Chimanimani, with Zanu PF supporters receiving preferential treatment.
In Bulawayo, food hampers for the elderly and empowerment funds for young women were announced, with a US$50,000 donation for each province.
Madzivanyika added that the partisan distribution of maize and foodstuffs in rural areas is “a violation of our law, the right to freedom, the right to food. It violates the right not to be discriminated against. Such a blatant attempt to buy votes or voices and manipulate the rural people is a big slap to our democracy.”
These actions have sparked concerns about the legitimacy of the bill and the ruling party’s intentions.
The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) notes growing intimidation and violence surrounding the bill’s discussion, undermining democratic participation and contradicting constitutionalism principles.
