THE CONSTITUTION, NOT GOD, RULES ZIMBABWE
Recent statements linked to Mr Paul Tungwarara claiming that the rule of Zimbabwe is ordained by God and that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is anointed to lead until 2030 are dangerous and misleading. These claims are not small talk. They strike at the heart of our democracy and our Constitution. Zimbabwe is not ruled by prophecy, visions, or personal belief. It is ruled by law. That law is the Constitution of Zimbabwe, agreed to by the people and adopted in 2013 after long struggle and consultation.
Zimbabwe is a constitutional republic, not a theocracy. This means power does not come from the pulpit or from those who claim to speak for God. Power comes from the people. The people give authority through elections that must be free, fair, and regular. Any attempt to bypass this process using religion is an attack on democracy itself. It is also an insult to citizens who fought hard for a Constitution that protects their rights and limits political power.
The 2013 Constitution is very clear. Presidential terms are limited. Election dates are fixed. No leader is allowed to extend their stay in office by changing rules for personal benefit. No one is above these limits. Not a president. Not a party. Not someone who claims divine support. When leaders begin to speak of anointing instead of accountability, they are telling us they no longer respect the law.
Using God to justify political ambition is not faith. It is manipulation. Religion should never be used as a shield against criticism or as a weapon against citizens. Faith is meant to guide morals, encourage justice, and promote peace. It must not be used to silence people who demand accountability. When politics hides behind religion, corruption grows and abuse of power becomes normal.
History is full of painful lessons. Wherever leaders claimed to rule by God’s will, accountability disappeared. People lost their voice. Dissent was treated as sin. Zimbabwe chose a different path in 2013. We chose a people-driven Constitution to stop exactly this kind of abuse. That choice must be defended today.
Ethical leadership is not proven by loud claims of anointing. It is proven by respect for limits. Term limits are not a technical detail. They are a moral test. A leader who truly serves the people knows when to leave. They do not look for excuses. They do not twist religion to stay longer. They respect the rules even when it is uncomfortable.
Zimbabweans are not arguing about religion. This is not a fight between believers and non-believers. It is a fight for constitutional order. The Constitution binds everyone equally. It protects Christians, Muslims, traditional believers, and those with no faith at all. It protects citizens from rulers who want unchecked power.
No amount of prayer can replace the Constitution. No sermon can cancel term limits. No prophecy can rewrite the law. Zimbabwe belongs to its people, not to political elites claiming divine approval. The Constitution must stand. It must be respected. And it must be defended by all who care about the future of this country.
