ZANU PF chief whip Pupurai Togarepi says the proposed constitutional amendments are not a break from Zimbabwe’s past but a return to a model the country has used before when the late Robert Mugabe was elected Prime Minister through a parliamentary majority in 1980.
Speaking to journalists, Togarepi argued that parliamentary involvement in leadership decisions is rooted in the nation’s founding political arrangements.
“We are not introducing something strange or untested. Zimbabwe has done this before. The idea that Parliament plays a central role in leadership is part of our history.”
He said fter the 1980 elections, the parliamentary majority shaped national leadership, paving the way for Robert Mugabe to assume office.
“In 1980, Parliament determined leadership through its majority. That process reflected the will of the people through their representatives. What is being proposed now follows the same principle.”
According to him, critics are wrongly portraying the amendments as a major constitutional shift.
“People say this is a new system. It is not. We are refining what already exists. We are strengthening structures that have always been part of Zimbabwe’s governance tradition.”
“Parliament represents citizens from every corner of Zimbabwe. When leadership processes recognise Parliament, they reinforce democratic legitimacy. That is exactly what happened in 1980.”
He added that the Bill aims to provide clarity and continuity in governance.
“This is about stability. We are guided by experience. Our constitutional journey has always involved learning from what has worked before.”
Dismissing fears that the amendments concentrate power, he maintained that history shows parliamentary systems can function within democratic norms.
“The 1980 outcome demonstrates how parliamentary processes can decisively shape leadership while respecting the people’s mandate. That is the tradition we are building on.”
Togarepi urged lawmakers to back the proposed changes, saying they honour national history while addressing present governance needs.
“We must legislate with memory. Parliament helped shape leadership at independence. The proposed system simply recognises that reality.”
