Zimbabwe Presidential Alumni Association Defends Amendment Bill No. 3

By Shyline Majaji

Zimbabwe Presidential Alumni Association (ZPSAA) has endorsed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, arguing that the proposed reforms are essential to sustaining Zimbabwe’s long-term development trajectory under Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Speaking at a press briefing in Harare, the association’s spokesperson, Mollyn Karimunhenga, said the bill’s proposal to extend the presidential term from five to seven years would strengthen policy continuity and improve the implementation of national programmes aligned with the country’s development strategies.

“The extension of the presidential term is not merely a political adjustment, but a structural reform aimed at enhancing institutional stability and long-term planning,” Karimunhenga said.

The association’s leadership, including chairman Roncemore Mhlanga, vice chairman Limukane Mathe, treasurer general Paul Chairuka, and secretary general Liberty Munyuki , reiterated their commitment to evidence-based policy advocacy.

They argued that Zimbabwe’s economic transformation agenda, which focuses on infrastructure development, human capital investment, and industrial growth, requires sustained leadership cycles to deliver measurable outcomes.

According to the association, the current administration has already made progress in promoting indigenous entrepreneurship and improving social mobility.

However, they cautioned that shorter electoral cycles risk disrupting policy momentum, particularly in the face of ongoing economic challenges, including the effects of Western sanctions.

The group also pointed to international examples to support its position, citing countries such as Azerbaijan and Egypt, where longer presidential terms have been associated with large-scale infrastructure expansion and economic growth.

In addition, the association highlighted the financial implications of frequent elections. It noted that Zimbabwe’s 2023 harmonized elections cost approximately US$188 million, arguing that reducing the frequency of national polls could ease fiscal pressures and allow greater allocation of resources toward development priorities.

Frequent elections, the group said, can also introduce policy uncertainty that may deter investment.

The association welcomed the recent public hearings on the proposed amendment, describing them as orderly and inclusive. It said the consultations reflected constitutional provisions for citizen participation and demonstrated a commitment to participatory governance.

Concluding the briefing, the association emphasized that the proposed constitutional changes should be viewed within the broader context of strengthening governance systems.

“These reforms are fundamentally about enhancing macroeconomic stability, building investor confidence, and securing sustainable development for Zimbabwe,” the association said.