HARARE – Zanu PF will seek to bar MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa from standing in the 2023 Presidential Elections by raising the age requirement, a report claimed on Thursday.
The current base age for one to run for President is 40 years, but this could be raised to 55 through a constitutional amendment, The Daily News reported, citing Zanu PF sources.
Chamisa, 40 this year, will be 45 in 2023.
Zanu PF won a two thirds majority in parliament in elections held on July 30. The party won 144 seats to the MDC Alliance’s 64, while two seats were won by an independent and the NPF.
The MDC has challenged results in at least 20 constituencies, arguing irregularities.
Zanu PF could use its two thirds majority to amend the constitution, which would require 141 MPs to vote for the motion.
MDC secretary general Douglas Mwonzora said such moves would be resisted through the courts.
“The intention by Zanu PF to change presidential constitutional age limits is malicious, vindictive and clearly unconstitutional,” Mwonzora said on Twitter.
“We will definitely resist these efforts. Zimbabwe is slowly being sent back to the Iron Age.”-Zimlive
