THE opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) says the recent Afrobarometer findings accurately reflect a national crisis of confidence in Zimbabwe’s democratic institutions, raising serious questions about the credibility of the proposed presidential term-extension to 2030.
The Afrobarometer report revealed that nearly eight in 10 Zimbabweans support choosing their leaders through elections and oppose the ruling party’s resolution to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office from 2028 to 2030 without a poll.
In a Press statement, CCC faction leader Jameson Timba said the survey findings validated public mistrust in the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) and reinforced the need for constitutional protection.
“Zimbabweans lack confidence in key democratic institutions, especially Zec, and this institutional mistrust has direct implications for the ongoing push to amend the Constitution and extend the presidential term to 2030,” he said.
Timba highlighted that the data shows only 7,7% of citizens fully trust Zec, while 48% only “somewhat” trust it.
Furthermore, 43,6% of citizens believe voter registration should be removed from Zec and returned to the Registrar-General’s office.
“These numbers are not technical statistics; they are a national cry,” Timba noted.
“Zimbabweans are saying clearly that the institutions are weak and they must be reformed before any major constitutional change is contemplated.”
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He argued that the push for term extension raises grave constitutional questions, as any amendment affecting term limits requires a national referendum under section 328(5) of the Constitution.
“A referendum conducted under an institution lacking public trust is neither credible nor legitimate.
“Weak institutions cannot protect constitutional integrity.”
Timba emphasised that the findings show Zimbabweans are not rejecting elections, but are instead “rejecting weak institutions” and that they want “reform, not regression”.
Timba said the Afrobarometer data proved that the country’s democracy was vulnerable and its institutions were fragile.
“The 2013 Constitution belongs to the people and its protection can be compromised when institutions are weak,” he said.
“2030 is unconstitutional in law and reckless in context.
“Zimbabweans want strong institutions, credible elections and leadership that respects the limits of its mandate.”
