SHADOWS OVER DEMOCRACY: ZIMBABWE’S CONSTITUTIONAL DISREGARD UNDER MNANGAGWA’S RULE

In the heart of Zimbabwe, a narrative of constitutional disregard unfolds, casting a shadow over the principles of democracy and governance. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, since ascending to power, has found himself at the center of a series of actions and decisions that not only question the integrity of his office but also threaten the very fabric of the nation’s constitutional democracy.

The journey into the labyrinth of Mnangagwa’s constitutional violations began with the controversial and unconstitutional appointment of General Phillip Valerio Sibanda as the commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. This move, which was later reversed under significant pressure, served as a glimpse into a pattern of governance marred by a disregard for legal frameworks and democratic processes.

The roots of these constitutional breaches trace back to the 2017 coup, a seismic event that reshaped Zimbabwe’s political landscape. In the aftermath, a tacit understanding among the judiciary emerged, an implicit bargain that has since cast a long shadow over the independence and impartiality of the country’s judicial system. This compromised judiciary has played a pivotal role in enabling a series of unconstitutional actions under Mnangagwa’s administration.

Key among these actions was the oversight in the procedural integrity of governance, notably the need for Phelekezela Mphoko to act, which was blatantly ignored. Furthermore, Mnangagwa’s inauguration following the recent disputed general elections, an event mired in controversy, raised serious questions about the legitimacy of his presidency.

The administration’s unconstitutional tendencies extend beyond these high-profile incidents. The appointment of provincial ministers, whose legitimacy is questionable, and the neglect or outright refusal to appoint a State Security or Intelligence minister, reveal a pattern of governance that sidelines constitutional mandates.

Adding to this convoluted tapestry is the conflict of interest involving Justice Loice Matanda Moyo, further eroding public trust in the judiciary’s impartiality. Moreover, the Football Association of Zimbabwe (FAZ) has been embroiled in its own controversy, with its unconstitutional handling of recent elections highlighting the pervasive nature of governance issues under Mnangagwa’s rule.

The Sibanda fiasco, a striking example of constitutional disregard, epitomizes the prevailing attitude of Mnangagwa’s government. These instances are not isolated anomalies but part of a broader, more disturbing trend of constitutional violations. Each act, each decision, chips away at the foundation of constitutional governance and undermines the democratic principles that should guide the nation.

This persistent pattern of unconstitutional actions exposes Mnangagwa to the threat of impeachment. If political adversaries were to seize upon these violations and amplify their significance, it could potentially ignite a political firestorm, raising the stakes in Zimbabwe’s already volatile political arena.

The fabric of Zimbabwe’s democracy is under strain. The series of unconstitutional acts and decisions under President Mnangagwa’s tenure do not merely represent a challenge to his presidency but are symptomatic of a deeper crisis in governance. As the nation grapples with these issues, the question remains: will the principles of constitutionalism and democracy prevail, or will they be overshadowed by the pursuit of power and political expediency? The answer to this question will shape Zimbabwe’s future and its place in the annals of democratic nations.