The Muslim community in Zimbabwe says it is rallying behind a proposed constitutional changes that will extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule beyond his two five-year terms which end in 2028 to 2030, hailing his administration for promoting freedom of religion in the country. The Muslim community, which is an important minority in society, say they are grateful to Mnangagwa for his policies that promote religious freedom, tolerance and peaceful co-existence in a world riddled with religious intolerance and conflict. Muslims expressed support for the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill, saying the proposed changes align with the country’s broader development agenda and would enhance stability. President Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe Sheikh Ishamael Duwa said: “We support this Bill because developments that are happening in our country are enormous. Let’s give the President more time to undertake these development projects.” Imam Yusuf Anubi, national chairperson Ahmadiyya Muslim JAMAAT, said: “The government is working with us very well. If we invite them to our programmes they attend. The government is respecting our freedom to follow our religion as we wish; our religious freedom. It shows this is a government that promotes freedom of religion and we support that. Sheikh Henry Balakazi National Convener # I’m a Muslim I support Economic Development concurred: “We are giving our support to the Bill because we have witnessed a lot of violence and intimidation during previous elections. This Bill is addressing some of those critical issues. Most importantly, if parliament now chooses the President this will save us from political conflict and violence which we have seen in the past elections.” The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment N0.3, gazetted in February, proposes significant changes, including extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years, and replacing direct presidential elections with selection by parliament. The support given to the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill by the Muslim community demonstrates growing support for Mnangagwa and his administration ahead of its presentation in Parliament. Supporters of the Bill argue that the proposed changes will enhance stability and sustain the momentum on Zimbabwe’s economic progress. The amendments are currently going through a public consultation. The ongoing fierce debate is framed as a struggle between constitutional stability and national development, which is being pushed by the government and its supporters, versus the argument for constitutionalism and democratic accountability by civil society and the opposition.
