State’s shameless attempt to kill constitutionalism worrisome

THE Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition notes with great concern the concerted efforts by the State to derail constitutionalism in the country.

On May 15, 2021, Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi issued contemptuous threats against judges of the High Court following a ruling to the effect that former Chief Justice Luke Malaba could not benefit from a constitutional amendment to extend his tenure of office.

As a coalition, we reiterate our concern on the unpatriotic and illegal process followed in the passing of Constitutional Amendments No 1 and 2 Bills in both the National Assembly and Senate.

The annihilation of the Constitution for purposes of consolidating authoritarTHE ian rule and creating an imperial presidency will be resisted. Ziyambi’s display of unbridled impunity in his statement is an indictment on his professional status and a sad moment for constitutionalism.

As a coalition, we implore the government to respect the independence of the Judiciary and desist from coercing the courts to pass judgments that are in support of authoritarian interests.

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition stands in solidarity with civil society organisations and Zimbabweans at large in fighting entrenchment of dictatorship through amendments to the Constitution.

On our part, we are determined to push for the formation of the Zimbabwe Constitutional Watch to promote and demand a culture of constitutionalism in the country.

Even after Ziyambi’s threats to “poke the Judiciary’s eyes”, we join the Judiciary, war veterans, workers, students, faith-based organisations, women’s groups, youths, the business sector and other patriotic Zimbabweans in support of constitutionalism.

Crisis in Zimbabwe

Coalition