Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU-PF, has resolved to amend the national constitution to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term in office by two years—keeping him in power until 2030.
The decision, reached at a party conference on Saturday, has been met with strong criticism from opposition figures who argue that such a move undermines the rule of law.
– Advertisement –
Mnangagwa, who is 83, is currently serving his second and final five-year term, due to end in 2028. However, the party’s new resolution calls for “legislative amendments” to make the extension possible, a move seen by critics as a threat to democratic norms.
ZANU-PF’s secretary for legal affairs and minister of Justice, Ziyambi Ziyambi, announced the decision before party delegates.
Advertisements
“The party and government are therefore directed to initiate the requisite legislative amendments to give full effect to this resolution to ensure continuity, stability, and the sustained transformation of the nation,” Ziyambi said.
Opposition Slams Move as “Unconstitutional”
Opposition figures have reacted sharply to the proposed constitutional change. Jameson Timba, a veteran politician and senior leader in the opposition, said the ruling party’s move disregards the principles of constitutional democracy.
“We are a constitutional democracy and the supremacy of the Constitution must remain non-negotiable,” Timba said in a statement released on Sunday.
Timba also urged the Speaker of Parliament and the Justice Minister to provide clarification on the legality of the resolution. He called for “civic vigilance and peaceful defence” of constitutionalism in response to what he described as a partisan overreach.
– Advertisement –
Growing Power Struggles Within ZANU-PF
The development comes amid reported internal divisions within ZANU-PF, particularly between Mnangagwa and his long-time rival, former army general Constantino Chiwenga, who has faced accusations of treasonous acts.
Mnangagwa rose to power in 2017 following a military coup that ended Robert Mugabe’s 37-year rule. The Zimbabwean Constitution currently limits presidents to two five-year terms, meaning Mnangagwa is required to step down in 2028.
ZANU-PF, which has ruled Zimbabwe since independence from Britain in 1980, maintains a dominant position in parliament. However, critics warn that extending Mnangagwa’s rule could further weaken the country’s fragile democracy.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Mbalula Says SA Could Have Erupted Into Chaos If Ramaphosa Ignored Mkhwanazi’s Explosive Claims
Job Sikhala, facilitator of the National Democratic Working Group, called the proposal “a huge provocation” to democratic forces.
“It is going to be the biggest challenge to the democratic forces in the nation on how we are going to respond to this huge provocation by a political party whose modus of operation has always been predatory,” Sikhala told Reuters.
For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On Facebook, X, Instagram and Bluesky
– Advertisement –
