Despite facing physical assaults and intimidation, a coalition of opposition groups in Zimbabwe continues to resist a proposed constitutional amendment that would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term in office.
Law professor Lovemore Madhuku was attacked in early March in what he alleges was carried out by police-backed security agents who reportedly disrupted a meeting of his opposition party.
This incident is among several reported by groups campaigning against the constitutional amendment, which was approved by the cabinet last month.
Madhuku, who heads the National Constitutional Assembly, said the attacks have not diminished his determination to oppose the changes.
“We will not be the first to be overwhelmed by the state simply because they control the power of government,” he stated.
He added, “If we are shot, we will die. If we are beaten, we may end up in hospital or even disabled. But that will not deter us.”
Authorities have denied any involvement in the assault, yet this and similar incidents mirror past crackdowns on opposition figures that have been attributed to state forces.
Human Rights Watch warned last week that officials are employing intimidation and violence against those opposing the proposed amendment.
Prominent opposition lawmaker Jameson Timba said he and a colleague have been under surveillance since speaking out against the amendment.
Both lawmakers reported finding an “X” painted on their homes on the day they planned to hold a meeting at the Southern Africa Political Economy Series Trust, a pro-democracy organization whose offices were bombed last year amid growing debate over extending presidential terms.
“We are not afraid,” Timba said, noting that he spent over five months in jail in 2024 for holding an unlawful meeting.
The leader of the Defend the Constitution Platform emphasized that they will continue their fight, citing citizens’ constitutional right to protest.
“The constitution allows ordinary Zimbabweans to petition peacefully against policies they oppose. We will exercise that right at the proper time,” he said.
The amendments generating the most concern would increase the presidential term from five to seven years and replace direct elections with a vote by lawmakers.
If passed, they would allow 83-year-old Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond the two-term limit set for 2028.
Critics argue the changes would also strengthen the ruling Zanu-PF party’s hold on power.
Since independence in 1980, Zanu-PF has governed Zimbabwe, overseeing recurring economic crises and facing repeated accusations of corruption and political repression.
“Since the bill was introduced, there has been a systematic effort to silence anyone opposing it,” said political analyst Blessing Vava.
He added that the amendments are being driven by individuals benefiting from their closeness to Mnangagwa, with little regard for the country’s future.
“They are not concerned with upholding the constitution; their focus is on the economic gains linked to prolonging Mnangagwa’s term,” he explained.
With parliament dominated by Zanu-PF, the proposed amendment is expected to pass.
A party spokesperson defended the president, claiming he is widely supported, and accused the opposition of spreading misinformation.