Antony Chawagarira
Roman Catholic priest Fidelis Mukonori has supported Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, describing the proposed legislation as a necessary step towards fostering national unity and ensuring continuity in development programmes.
In an interview with NEW ZIANA, Father Mukonori broke ranks with the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Commission statement that opposed Cab3 and said he was commenting in his personal capacity. He said Zimbabwe’s electoral processes, while central to democracy, often bring unintended social consequences, particularly at community level.
He noted that repeated electoral cycles tend to heighten political tensions, sometimes dividing families and communities along partisan lines, thereby weakening the social fabric. He said the country must begin to reflect on how best to preserve unity while still upholding democratic values.
“Elections are important, but we must also acknowledge that they can divide communities. As a nation, we need to find ways of promoting cohesion while ensuring that development is not disrupted,” he said. Father Mukonori also highlighted the high costs associated with conducting elections, noting that significant financial and human resources are deployed each time the country goes to the polls. He said such resources could be channelled towards key sectors of the economy, including infrastructure development, health delivery systems and education.
“There is a need to make prudent use of our limited resources. Funds used for frequent elections could be redirected to projects that directly improve people’s livelihoods,” he added.
The cleric further underscored the importance of policy consistency, saying long-term national development requires stability and sustained implementation of programmes without frequent disruptions. Debate around Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 continues to gather momentum, with various stakeholders weighing in on its implications.
Proponents argue that the amendment will enhance policy continuity, improve planning horizons and create a stable environment conducive to economic growth and investment. Critics, however, maintain that regular elections are a cornerstone of democratic governance, providing citizens with an opportunity to hold leaders accountable and to participate in shaping the country’s future.
Father Mukonori said it is important for the ongoing national discourse to remain constructive and inclusive, ensuring that any reforms strike a balance between unity, development and democratic principles.
“As Zimbabweans, we must engage in dialogue that builds the nation. Unity and development should go hand in hand with democracy,” he said.
The proposed amendment remains under discussion, with expectations that Parliament and other stakeholders will continue to consult widely before any final position is adopted.
