MDC Defends Church Amid Zanu PF and CCC Term Limit Controversy

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The MDC took a bold stance on Thursday, defending the church against government attacks on the proposed plan by CCC and Zanu PF to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term limit beyond 2028. The MDC criticized the government for attempting to silence the church, emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression and fair elections.

The oldest opposition political party’s reaction came in response to a recent government statement, which asserted that parliamentarians have the right to address the concerns of the electorate, and that “donor-funded organizations” have no obligation to question them.

“The parliament is not answerable to narrow, sectoral, and regime change donor funding antics by a paltry conglomerate of civil society entrepreneurs purporting to represent the views of the church in Zimbabwe. In the same vein, such Western donor organizations need to be reminded that Zanu PF is a political establishment which delivered freedom of expression and freedom of religion.

“Likewise, Zanu PF’s led government still ferociously defends freedom of worship for all Zimbabweans, most of whom are not affiliated with the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) outfit,” said the government in a statement.

In response, the MDC scolded the government for criticizing the church, stating that ZHOCD should be given space to exercise their freedom of expression whenever they feel the country’s constitutional rights are being suffocated.

“The Church is right that the country needs a free, fair, and credible election that truly reflects the views of the people of Zimbabwe. By openly bullying the Church, the government is setting a clear indication that dissent is a no-go area and will not be tolerated by those in power today. We in the MDC would like to remind the Government of Zimbabwe that the voice of the Church is the voice of God. Respect it,” said the MDC.

In a letter dated January 21, the ZHOCD expressed their opposition to the term extension, stating that it would undermine the Constitution and democracy. They stressed the need to protect the Constitution to ensure a stable and united future for Zimbabwe.

“Protecting the constitution is key to safeguarding democracy, fostering trust, and uniting Zimbabweans for a brighter, more stable future,” the church body added, emphasizing their commitment to advocating for fairness, transparency, and peace.

Although the issue of extending presidential term limits has ignited a heated debate in the country’s political sphere, President Emmerson Mnangagwa publicly stated last year he has no plans to extend his term when it ends in 2028.