The Zimbabwe Presidential Alumni Association has publicly endorsed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, describing it as a critical instrument for advancing the country’s long-term development agenda under President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Addressing the media in Harare, spokesperson Mollyn Karimunhenga (MBA Finance) delivered the association’s position, emphasizing that the proposed extension of the presidential term from five to seven years would enhance policy continuity, institutional stability, and effective implementation of national programmes aligned with the National Development Strategies.
Association chairman Roncemore Mhlanga (LLB), alongside Vice Chairman Dr Limukane Mathe, Treasurer General Paul Chairuka (MSc Finance and Investment), and Secretary General Liberty Munyuki (BComm Economics and Business Management), reaffirmed the body’s commitment to evidence-based policy advocacy. The leadership highlighted that Zimbabwe’s economic transformation agenda, anchored on infrastructure modernization, human capital development, and industrial growth, requires sustained leadership cycles. They noted that the Second Republic has already contributed to the rise of indigenous entrepreneurs and improved social mobility, but stressed that longer governance timeframes are necessary to consolidate these gains amid ongoing economic challenges, including the impact of Western sanctions.
The association further argued that global precedents support extended presidential terms as a mechanism for achieving sustained development outcomes. Countries such as Azerbaijan and Egypt were cited as examples where longer leadership cycles have facilitated large-scale infrastructure development and economic expansion. In Zimbabwe’s context, the association underscored that reducing the frequency of elections could also ease fiscal pressures, noting that the 2023 harmonized elections cost approximately US$188 million. Frequent electoral cycles, they added, often introduce policy uncertainty and fiscal strain, which can hinder investment and economic stability.
Additionally, the association welcomed the recent public hearings on the constitutional amendment, describing them as orderly, inclusive, and reflective of participatory governance. Members emphasized that the process aligns with constitutional provisions for public consultation and demonstrates citizen engagement in shaping national policy. They concluded that the proposed reforms are not merely political, but are fundamentally about strengthening Zimbabwe’s governance framework to support macroeconomic stability, investment confidence, and sustainable development.
