BULAWAYO – Zanu PF’s latest resolution, aimed at extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term to 2030, has been met with a firm rejection from the president, signaling his commitment to the constitutional term limits.
Announced at the Zanu PF Annual People’s Conference in Bulawayo, the proposal was introduced by Patrick Chinamasa, Zanu PF’s legal secretary, to enthusiastic support from party members. The resolution suggested two amendments: removing the presidential term limits and lifting the 2028 limit for the current officeholder. Each change would require public backing through a referendum, adding layers of complexity to the proposal.
Chinamasa detailed how President Mnangagwa, through repeated consultations, stood steadfast in his decision not to serve beyond 2028. The president expressed that altering the constitution for personal tenure was against his principles, given his direct involvement in establishing these term limits. “I will abide by the constitution,”President Mnangagwa reportedly told Chinamasa, reaffirming his adherence to the democratic frameworks in place.
Zanu PF spokesperson Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa later emphasized the party’s unwavering support for President Mnangagwa, saying, “the party is united and fully behind the president’s vision.” Cde Mutsvangwa’s comments highlight the alignment within Zanu PF with Mnangagwa’s leadership, even as he rejects an extended term.
Outside party ranks, however, the president’s critics, including former cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere, remain unconvinced of President Mnangagwa’s intentions, expressing concerns about political entrenchment and cautioning against unchecked power. The debate underscores a complex intersection of loyalty, leadership, and adherence to democratic principles within Zimbabwe’s political landscape.
