ZANU-PF Push to Extend Mnangagwa's Term Sparks Political Uproar in Zimbabwe

 

By Joylyne Lopokoit

 Zimbabwe's ruling party, ZANU-PF, has ignited political controversy after proposing a constitutional amendment to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term by two years — a move that, if passed, would allow him to remain in power until 2030.

The proposal was tabled during the party’s 22nd Annual National People’s Conference held in Mutare, where party delegates endorsed the resolution, signaling strong internal support for the move. However, the decision has already drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, legal experts, and even from within ZANU-PF itself.

Under Zimbabwe’s current constitution, adopted in 2013, a president is limited to two five-year terms. Mnangagwa, who came to power in 2017 following a military-assisted transition, is expected to step down in 2028 after completing his second term. The proposed amendment would effectively extend his time in office beyond the constitutional limit without a national election.

Ziyambi Ziyambi, the party’s legal affairs secretary, defended the resolution, stating it aims to guarantee "continuity, stability, and sustained transformation of the nation.” He added that the amendment process would follow legal procedures, which could involve both parliamentary approval and a national referendum, depending on how the change is framed.

Critics, however, have denounced the move as a dangerous power grab. Opposition leaders have warned that the proposal threatens the integrity of the country’s democratic processes and undermines the constitutional principle of presidential term limits.

“This is not about stability; it is about entrenching authoritarian rule,” said one opposition MP. “It sets a dangerous precedent and disregards the will of the people.”

Adding to the tension is Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, a key figure in the country's political establishment and Mnangagwa’s long-time rival, who has reportedly voiced opposition to the resolution. Chiwenga has accused the government of corruption, inefficiency, and moral decay — signaling possible fractures within the ruling party itself.

ZANU-PF has dominated Zimbabwe’s political landscape since independence in 1980. This latest move is being seen by analysts as a test of both the ruling party’s internal cohesion and the country’s democratic resilience.

If the resolution advances, Zimbabweans could face a defining moment: either accept a shift that consolidates executive power or push back against a potential erosion of constitutional norms.

Whether the proposed amendment is enacted, contested in courts, or rejected outright, the coming months promise to reshape the nation’s political trajectory — and may determine not just the future of Mnangagwa’s presidency, but the broader state of democracy in Zimbabwe.