An MDC aligned youth grouping under the banner of Generational Consensus has called Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) Secretary General Victor Matemadanda to order over his call for parliament to raise the Presidential age limit from 40 to 52.
Addressing a press conference in Harare today, Generational Consensus Spokesperson, Pride Mukono said the call by the war veterans is a direct attack on the constitution which is founded on the principles of fairness, equality, justice and democracy.
“The statement issued by ZLWVA through its incoherent, confused and seemingly inebriated Secretary General, a Mr Victor Matemadanda, is a direct attack on the constitution of Zimbabwe. The constitution is founded on the principles of fairness, equality, justice and democracy. It recognizes fundamental rights of citizens and sets a reasonable framework for all demographic groups to participate and enjoy their fair share in national issues such as politics,” he said.
Mukono urged the government and war veterans to focus on serious national issues including the shortage of fuel, cash, medicine and basic commodities.
“As a movement, we will soon embark on nationwide mobilization of young people to demand that this government must never amend our constitution to spite its progressive provisions,” added Mukono.
MDC Secretary General, Douglas Mwonzora also added his voice saying attempts by war veterans to push for a constitutional amendment is a reversal of the new constitution which was overwhelmingly voted for by the majority in 2013.
“The statement by war veterans that they want to agitate for a change in the presidential age limit is designed to distract the nation from the economic catastrophe. Zimbabweans in an overwhelming referendum vote in 2013 set the age limit at 40. Simple!” said Mwonzora in a Twitter post.
War veterans yesterday said their call to raise the Presidential age limit is to ensure that only mature people are elected as Presidents.
Their move has been widely speculated as an attempt to block opposition MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa whose successful election campaign caught Zanu PF and President Emmerson Mnangagwa by surprise.
