Harare – Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) president Linda Masarira has thrown her party’s conditional support behind a controversial proposal to scrap direct presidential elections in favour of a parliamentary vote, warning that the reform would backfire without simultaneous proportional representation changes.

In formal submissions on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026, Masarira argued that Zimbabwe’s current presidential election system has become “excessively toxic, divisive, violent, expensive, and destabilizing,” citing political violence, torture, militarised communities, and loss of life as recurring features of each electoral cycle.

She asserted that electing the president through Parliament could significantly reduce election-related bloodshed, financial waste, and personality-driven politics.

However, Masarira insisted that such a shift would only be democratic if Zimbabwe simultaneously adopts a Proportional Representation “Zebra List” Electoral Model guaranteeing equal representation for women and men, alongside inclusion for youth, persons with disabilities, minorities, and marginalised groups. “If Parliament is to elect the President, then Parliament itself must become more representative, inclusive, democratic, and reflective of Zimbabwe’s social diversity,” she said, warning that without reforms, the change risks “consolidating elite political control.”

On proposed seven-year presidential terms, Masarira expressed deep reservations, warning that longer terms without stronger accountability mechanisms could “weaken democratic oversight” and “entrench authoritarian tendencies.”

She proposed enforceable recall mechanisms, annual presidential accountability sessions, public expenditure audits, and citizen review forums as mandatory companions to any term extension. She also strongly opposed clauses repealing the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission, calling such moves “premature and dangerous” given unresolved national wounds including Gukurahundi.

Masarira further rejected clauses creating a separate Zimbabwe Electoral Delimitation Commission, labelling it “financially unnecessary” and an “avoidable burden on taxpayers” while healthcare systems collapse and civil servants remain poorly paid.

Masarira also opposed Clause 15, which removes transparent judicial appointment procedures, warning that weakening judicial independence would erode investor confidence and constitutionalism. However, she supported Clause 16 amending the Defence Forces’ mandate, stating the military must operate “in accordance with the Constitution” under civilian supremacy.