There are moments in a nation’s history when silence becomes betrayal. This is one of those moments. What we are witnessing in Zimbabwe is not reform. It is not progress. It is not development. It is a calculated attempt to twist the Constitution so that one man can sit longer in power while the voice of the people is weakened.

The push to extend the presidential term from five years to seven years is dangerous on its own. But the plan does not stop there. There is also talk of abolishing direct presidential elections. That means the people of Zimbabwe may no longer have the right to directly choose their president. This is not a small amendment. It is a direct attack on democracy itself.

In October 2025, Zanu PF passed a resolution to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term. That decision has now set in motion a wave of resistance across the country. Citizens, opposition leaders, and civic activists understand that what is being planned is nothing less than a constitutional coup. It may be wrapped in legal language, but its intention is clear. It seeks to stretch power beyond its natural limits.

In response, opposition and civic forces formed the Defend the Constitution Platform in January. This platform includes leaders from the CCC such as Jameson Timba, Dubeko Sibanda, and Agency Gumbo. It also brings together veterans of the struggle for justice such as Munyaradzi Gwisayi, Job Sikhala, Jacob Ngarivhume, and Obert Masaraure. These are individuals who have paid a personal price for standing up against abuse of power.

At the same time, former Finance Minister Tendai Biti launched the Constitutional Defence Forum. His message was clear. What is happening is not a simple legal adjustment. It is a constitutional coup. The extension of a presidential term without the consent of the people strikes at the heart of constitutionalism. It turns the Constitution into a tool of convenience instead of a shield for citizens.

Now there are plans to integrate the Defend the Constitution Platform and the Constitutional Defence Forum into a united front. A memorandum of understanding has already been drafted. Some issues remain, including the name of the coalition, but the bigger picture is clear. There is a growing recognition that divided voices cannot effectively resist a coordinated assault on democracy.

The strategy of this planned coalition is to become a rallying point for all forces that reject Mnangagwa’s manoeuvres. It seeks to unite political parties, civic groups, activists, and ordinary citizens around one central message. The Constitution must be defended. Presidential terms must not be manipulated to serve personal ambition. Direct elections must not be abolished to weaken public power.

Term limits exist for a reason. They prevent the concentration of power in one individual. They allow leadership renewal. They protect the country from drifting into permanent rule by a single person or party. When leaders begin to change the rules to suit themselves, it signals fear. Fear of accountability. Fear of losing control. Fear of facing the people in a fair contest.

Extending a term from five to seven years may seem like a technical change. It is not. It is an attempt to normalize prolonged rule. Abolishing direct presidential elections would go even further. It would reduce citizens to spectators in decisions that shape their lives.

Zimbabwe does not need longer terms. It needs stronger institutions. It does not need constitutional gymnastics. It needs genuine respect for the rule of law. The Constitution belongs to the people, not to Zanu PF. Any attempt to stretch it for political survival must be resisted with courage and unity.

History will judge this moment. The question is whether we stood up or stayed quiet while democracy was slowly rewritten before our eyes.