Citizens, not parties, must halt constitutional change: Ex-MP

Former Bulawayo South Member of Parliament, Nichola Watson, says it is up to Zimbabweans to stop the proposed 2030 constitutional amendment, particularly the extension of presidential term limits, as they are the ones who have to live with the changes if they sail through.
Watson, who was recalled from Parliament by Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu and remains a staunch supporter of Nelson Chamisa, who resigned from the opposition party, emphasized the importance of Zimbabweans acting individually to stop the amendments rather than as members of political organizations.
“Chamisa has made himself very clear on the agenda of 2030 and extending the term limits, saying no. He does not support it, and we don’t support it. It is up to us as Zimbabweans to truly examine ourselves as individualsโnot on a political basis at allโbut merely as Zimbabweans to examine and critically assess where we are as a country and ask what the real agenda behind 2030 is,” she said.
Speaking at the Bulawayo Media Centre on Wednesday evening, Watson expressed concerns that Zimbabwe’s 2013 constitution has yet to be fully implemented and has not run its course regarding presidential term limits.
“This constitution is yet to be fully implemented. At the time of Constitutional Amendment No. 1 and No. 2, the big argument was: why are we amending a constitution which is yet to be fulfilled and has not run its course?” she questioned.
“If you consider term limits, that has yet to be shown and proven. So, for me, that is also a noโwhy would we do that?”
The former MP highlighted the extensive constitution-making process that involved consulting communities across Zimbabwe.
“We should revisit the 2013 constitution and recall that when the constitution-making process was done, the consultation process was extensive. It was conducted across Zimbabwe in all communities. The majority of Zimbabweans, which Zanu PF used to be very proud of, voted for this constitution,” Watson said.
“So if we move forward and say 2017 was to restore a legacy, what legacy are we actually restoring?”
Watson also expressed concerns about the consultation process required to amend the constitution.
“Parliament has not lately had a good track record of correctly or properly consulting citizens. Will the correct amount of consultation and education around these issues be given to Zimbabweans?” she questioned.
“Will they have time to be informed by those inside the process, because it is actually their own responsibilityโthe Chief Justice, the president, every MPโto uphold and defend the constitution? If you say uphold the constitution, why would I want to change it?”
She criticised the government’s handling of development projects, citing the Gwayi-Shangani Dam, which has been touted since 2017 as a solution to Bulawayo’s water crisis but remains unfinished.
Using this and other unfinished projects, Watson questioned why the government would want a further term.
“I would want a very good reason, and it strikes me that there is not a sound justification. I know Zanu PF will say it’s about NDS 1 and finalising economic goals. Where Zimbabwe is right now, in my firm belief and opinion, we are not developing. In fact, we are regressing,” she said.
She noted how the informalization of Zimbabwe’s economy is growing “by leaps and bounds” and that the economy is not improving.
“Employment and development will not pick up unless the formal economy runs. The informalization of our economy cannot bring the growth and development we seek or the provision of our social services, health, education, social welfare, and others,” said the former MP.
“It is my firm opinion that we are not on a track of development currently, and I have heard that from more than one source.”
Watson also lamented that Zimbabwe was moving “further and further away” from democratic rule towards autocratic rule and how the ideals of the liberation struggle have been lost in the last 45 years.
“At this time, the majority of Zimbabweans are wallowing in deep poverty and deprivation. Many are food insecure, jobs are not growing, and companies are closing. In Bulawayo alone, many businesses in the last few months have closed and not reopened,” she said.
“So I cannot personally use that developmental reason for saying, ‘Oh, 2030 will be okay.'”
The former MP urged Zimbabweans to step back and think critically about the proposed constitutional amendment and the real agenda behind 2030 to counter it.
“We all have to step back and really think as Zimbabweans as a whole, not as a political organization or its members, but as Zimbabweans for ourselves,” Watson said.