The ruling ZANU-PF has warned that it will consider using its majority in Parliament to effect a constitutional amendment raising the presidential age limit to ensure only what it calls mature people to contest for the highest office in the land.

The Constitution currently stipulates that for one to be elected President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, they must be 40 years and above.

Zanu-PF National Secretary for Security Lovemore Matuke told state media that the ruling party will seriously consider raising the age limit following what he claims were immaturity traits exposed by forty year old losing MDC Alliance presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa.

“We are seriously considering to use our parliamentary majority to effect a constitutional amendment raising the age limit for election to the Office of the President because we are now worried about what immature people like Chamisa are doing,” said Matuke.

“They are holding the country to ransom and we feel it is to some extent because of immaturity and childishness. When a person goes for an election, they must be prepared for all the outcomes – win, lose or a stalemate. It is a sign of immaturity for a person to expect only to win in an election and as a result we feel there is need to have a serious relook at the presidential age limit.’’

Matuke said Chamisa risked being a national security threat.

“A mature person would have allowed the country to move on,” he said. “Congratulate the winner and say there is always a next time. This country has been bleeding economically for too long and all patriotic Zimbabweans should put their shoulders to the wheel to rebuild this country, which has been battered by sanctions and, surprisingly, there are still people who are immature not to see the need for all that.”

State Media