Bribes rock Mnangagwa term extension plot -Newsday Zimbabwe
Allegations of bribery have surfaced in Zimbabwe’s Senate regarding Constitution Amendment No 3 Bill (CAB3). Sources claim some Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislators received up to US$10,000 to support extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term and removing direct presidential elections, though representatives for Sengezo Tshabangu deny the claims.
Why is CAB3 causing conflict in the Zimbabwean Senate?
The Constitution Amendment No 3 Bill proposes a two-year extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term in office. It also seeks to scrap the direct election of the president, a move that shifts how the head of state is chosen.
While the ruling Zanu PF party holds a dominant majority in the National Assembly, they’re three senators short in the Upper House. This gap makes the Senate the primary battleground for the bill’s passage. According to legislators, this shortage explains the reported increase in financial inducements to secure the necessary votes.
How much money is allegedly being used to influence votes?
Reports on the scale of the bribery vary depending on the source. Impeccable sources claim some CCC legislators were paid US$10,000 each this week to back the presidential term extension.
This figure is lower than previous claims. A week ago, Retired Air Vice-Marshal Henry Muchena, representing former army generals and senior civil servants, alleged that all legislators were slated to receive bribes of up to US$50,000 from a prominent businessman.
The contrast between the US$10,000 and US$50,000 figures suggests different targets or different stages of the alleged payment scheme. Regardless of the amount, the reported goal remains the same: ensuring CAB3 sails through the Senate.
What is the role of the Tshabangu faction in these allegations?
Sources claim the US$10,000 payments were delivered through a senior official linked to the faction led by self-imposed CCC secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu. This group has previously indicated it would withhold support for the bill unless Zanu PF met specific demands.
However, Nqobizitha Mlilo, spokesperson for Tshabangu, dismissed these bribery claims as “petty.” Mlilo stated that the camp isn’t offering “unconditional support” but is instead negotiating for substantive changes. He described the current form of the bill as “unworkable” and insisted that legislators aren’t “voting cows.”
Who is supporting the bill from the opposition?
Despite the party’s general opposition to the bill, some MPs aligned with Tshabangu have openly supported CAB3. Susan Matsunga, the MP for Budiriro North, praised President Mnangagwa during National Assembly debates.
Matsunga argued that Mnangagwa deserves more years in office, citing infrastructure projects like the Trabablas Interchange and the modernization of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport. Records show Matsunga has been a beneficiary of borehole drilling programs led by Paul Tungwarara, an adviser to the president.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of CAB3?
The bill aims to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term by two years and remove the requirement for the president to be directly elected.
Who is Sengezo Tshabangu?
Tshabangu is a self-imposed secretary-general of the CCC, leading a faction that has been accused of negotiating with Zanu PF over the constitutional amendments.
Is the bill guaranteed to pass?
It’s expected to pass the National Assembly due to Zanu PF’s majority, but its fate in the Senate is less certain because the ruling party lacks a full majority there.
What do you think about the removal of direct presidential elections? Does this shift the balance of power too far? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more political analysis.