Mwonzora Sounds Alarm Bèlls: Fuel Hike, Constitutional Tampering Will Suffocate Zimbabweans
By Desire Tshuma
Harare – The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has blasted the government’s decision to hike fuel prices, describing it as “anti-poor” and an “economic strangulation” of Zimbabweans. Addressing a press conference at Harvest House this morning, MDC President Advocate Douglas Mwonzora said the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority’s (ZERA) move would exacerbate the country’s economic woes.
Mwonzora questioned the timing and magnitude of the price increase, pointing out that the global oil market is experiencing volatility due to the Middle East conflict. “Why are we being asked to bear the brunt of this crisis?” he asked, emphasizing that the poor are already struggling to afford basic necessities.
The MDC leader also took aim at the government’s proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which he claimed would roll back citizens’ rights. “This bill is a recipe for disaster, a recipe for dictatorship,” Mwonzora warned. Specifically, he objected to the proposed extension of presidential and parliamentary terms from 5 to 7 years, arguing that this would entrench President Mnangagwa in power and undermine democracy.
Mwonzora explained that the bill proposes changing the method of electing the President from direct vote to parliamentary election, effectively disenfranchising citizens. “Our liberation fighters rose up against the Ian Smith regime because they wanted one man, one vote. Now, this amendment seeks to scratch that principle, denying citizens the right to directly elect their President,” he said.
Mwonzora urged citizens to approach their Members of Parliament within their constituencies to express discontent with the proposed amendments. “Tell them to reject this bill. Our suffrage was not for this. We fought for the right to choose our leaders, not for Parliament to choose for us,” he emphasized.
The MDC leader warned that the bill’s passage would be a betrayal of the country’s liberation struggle and an affront to democracy. He called on citizens to remain vigilant and participate in public hearings on the bill.
As Zimbabweans grapple with economic hardship, Mwonzora’s message resonated with many who feel the government is out of touch with their struggles. The MDC’s stance on the fuel hike and constitutional amendment bid is likely to fuel tensions between the opposition and the ruling party.
