Chamisa slams 2030 agenda — “It’s a blanket ban on elections… A hijacking of the nation”

Citizens leader Nelson Chamisa has launched a blistering attack on proposed constitutional amendments and the controversial push linked to extending Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure, warning that the move threatens to destroy democracy in Zimbabwe.

Responding to questions from The Standard newspaper on Wednesday, Chamisa said he refused to adopt the political language being used by Zanu PF around the “2030 agenda,” insisting it was designed to manipulate public discourse while masking deeper constitutional dangers.

“I don’t want to be boxed in by the Zanu PF language. They invented 2030. I will not message myself around 2030,” Chamisa said.

“In fact, with my reference to 2050, I was lenient. I could have put 2099. It is a dramatic illustration of the sinister intention. They want to turn Zimbabwe into a ruin on account of this dangerous and disastrous amendment.”

Chamisa argued that the proposed constitutional changes go far beyond technical amendments, warning that they amount to a fundamental attack on democratic governance.

“The proposed constitutional changes represented a broader attempt to undermine democratic processes,” he said.

“It’s a blanket ban on elections and condemnation of democracy. It’s the hijacking of the nation.”

The Citizens leader also dismissed suggestions that he needed intermediaries to communicate his position to supporters.

“Those who follow me need no spokesperson. They know what I am saying and they appreciate the message,” Chamisa said.

“In fact they are the ones who send me to say that because they know this has disastrous consequences.”

Chamisa also accused the ruling party of manipulating institutions and opposition structures to weaken what he called a “legitimate alternative” to the current government.

“Do I have the political parties’ funds under the Finance Act? First, it was given to Thokozani Khupe and Douglas Mwonzora, now to Sengezo Tshabangu. Is that normal?” he asked.

“Same applies to MPs, first they were given to Mwonzora, now Tshabangu. I had a party. First it was given to others, now it has been given to another. Is that normal?”

He also repeated long-standing claims about election outcomes involving President Mnangagwa.

“I had votes, they were given to Mr Mnangagwa in 2018 and 2023. Is that normal?” Chamisa said.

Chamisa said the push for constitutional amendments was itself proof that the ruling party feared facing voters in free elections.

“The ruling party’s push to amend the constitution to extend Mnangagwa’s tenure was itself evidence that it feared electoral defeat,” he said.

“What other message do you want to understand except that they are confirming they have always lost elections and the one they are competing against has always won?”

Chamisa also defended his political stance, describing himself as a leader who had paid a heavy personal price for remaining consistent.

“For the record, I bear multiple scars for standing principled, focused and consistent,” he said.

“I am not in Parliament. I have not received a loan from Zanu PF. I don’t have a farm. I have nothing that I have received from anyone except persecution, ridicule, oppression and attempted assassination.”

He also dismissed suggestions that he had secret engagements with President Mnangagwa.

“The only time we were at the same place was at the inaugurations in Gaborone and Lusaka and we didn’t even meet,” Chamisa said.

“Is that normal? We only meet on the ballot. Unless he can transfer those freebies by Bluetooth. But am I that stupid that I would go for a drink and not for a country?”

Chamisa ended his remarks by reiterating his commitment to what he described as principled leadership in Zimbabwe’s political landscape.

“Thank you. God bless.” *_-ZimEye_*