Defending constitution is not political hostility – war veterans back retired generals demanding referendum on Constitutional Amendment Bill
WAR veterans have thrown their weight behind retired military commanders opposing the proposed Constitutional Amendment No.3 Bill, saying that defending the country’s supreme law must not be mistaken for political hostility. Retired generals led by Air Marshal Henry Muchena recently made a written submission to Parliament as part of the public consultation process, arguing that […] The post Defending constitution is not political hostility – war veterans back retired generals demanding referendum on Constitutional Amendment Bill appeared first on NewZimbabwe.com.
Black News 
WAR veterans have thrown their weight behind retired military commanders opposing the proposed Constitutional Amendment No.3 Bill, saying that defending the country’s supreme law must not be mistaken for political hostility.
Retired generals led by Air Marshal Henry Muchena recently made a written submission to Parliament as part of the public consultation process, arguing that major amendments to the Constitution must be approved directly by citizens rather than solely by legislators.
In a statement on Thursday, the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) Chairman Ethan Mathibela said war veterans fully support the position taken by retired generals and senior civil servants who called for constitutional changes to be subjected to a national referendum.
“As an organisation representing those who fought to liberate this nation from colonial rule, we wish to state clearly and unequivocally that we stand in full support of the principled position articulated by our fellow veterans
“The submission by the retired commanders is a powerful reminder that the liberation struggle was fought so that the people of Zimbabwe would be the ultimate custodians of state power.
“Defending the Constitution must never be mistaken for political hostility; it is an act of patriotism and national duty,” Mathibela said.
The war veterans group also urged political leaders and civil society to handle the ongoing constitutional debate with sobriety and patriotism, reiterating calls for a referendum.
“In this regard, the ZNLWVA calls upon Parliament, political leaders, civil society, and all Zimbabweans to approach the current constitutional debate with sobriety, patriotism, and respect for the sovereign will of the people.
“Where constitutional amendments touch on fundamental questions of democratic governance, the most legitimate path remains broad national consultation and, where necessary, the direct voice of the people through a referendum,” Mathibela added.
The proposed bill currently before parliament seeks to introduce sweeping changes, including allowing Parliament to elect the President instead of voters and extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years.
The post Defending constitution is not political hostility – war veterans back retired generals demanding referendum on Constitutional Amendment Bill appeared first on NewZimbabwe.com.
