Democracy Under Siege: UDA Fights to Keep Presidential Vote in Citizens’ Hands

By Desire Tshuma

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA), led by Dr. Daniel Shumba, has strongly condemned ZANU PF’s proposed constitutional amendments to transfer the election of the President from citizens to Parliament, calling it a “direct assault on the democratic rights of every Zimbabwean.”

Dr. Shumba emphasized that changing the voting system from “One Person, One Vote” to “One MP, One Vote” betrays constitutional order and strips citizens of their power. “A President with sweeping executive powers must seek a direct mandate from the people they intend to serve,” he said, adding that hiding behind Parliament shows fear and rejection of true democracy.

The UDA argues the proposal fosters patronage and undermines accountability, reinforcing a culture of entitlement and partisan conduct. “We refuse to let the highest office in the land be determined by a manipulated party process rather than the will of the masses,” the statement read.

The party also warned that involving the Chief Justice in overseeing a parliamentary election threatens judicial independence and creates a conflict of interest. “If the Chief Justice manages the selection of the President, who will arbitrate if there is a dispute?” the UDA questioned.

Calling on Zimbabweans to reject the move, the UDA reaffirmed its commitment to redemption and transformation of Zimbabwe, insisting, “Nyika ndeyedu tese The country belongs to us all.”