Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube | Zim GBC News
Bulawayo – A recent resolution by Zanu-PF, endorsed at its annual conference in Mutare, proposing the extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term to 2030 has ignited a fierce debate across Zimbabwe’s political spectrum, pitting party loyalty against constitutionalism.
The controversial proposal, which seeks to bypass the constitutionally mandated 2028 election, has drawn reactions from various quarters, including legal experts and citizens, leading to a robust discussion on social media and other platforms.
The debate is sharply divided. Some Zanu-PF supporters argue for the party’s primacy in setting the national agenda. One supporter stated,
“Zanu PF ndibaba awo, ndowanonzi makuruwani (Zanu PF is the father, the one who is called the head of the family),” while another claimed,
“Zanu PF ndiyo yakawaka foundation dzenyika ino (Zanu PF is the one that built the foundation of this nation).”
However, this narrative was immediately challenged by others who contested the party’s historical monopoly. One participant countered,
“Point of correction ZANU didn’t give birth to Zimbabwe… the liberation struggle was a concerted effort with contributions from all and sundry… stop monopolizing the war.”
The central point of contention remains the Zimbabwean Constitution.
This is in stark contrast to President Mnangagwa’s own stated position from August 2024, where he declared,
“Besides being a soldier, trained lawyer, I am a constitutionalist. I want our party, our leadership, our people to be constitutionalists. We must abide by the provisions of our constitution to the letter. When time comes to go home, I will go!”
This statement has been at the core of the argument for those opposing the extension.
“I am confident that the President won’t heed the call of a misguided lot, which wants him to go against his principles of constitutionalism. As a tried and tested cadre and legal expert he will follow the constitution,” argued one individual.
Echoing this constitutional stance, renowned constitutional law expert Professor Lovemore Madhuku was cited in the discussions, stating unequivocally that it is “IMPOSSIBLE TO EXTEND ED’s TERM TO 2030,” highlighting the legal hurdles, which would likely require a national referendum.
Calls for upholding democratic norms were clear, with one citizen asserting,
“Party can not decide for the Nation. Republic of Zimbabwe is a multiparty democratic state… We citizens agreed elections every five years and contesting elections has term limits.”
Some commentators warned of the potential social consequences, with one noting,
“May this regime not give the youth reasons to mobiles otherwise. They are now becoming a threat to the peace of our country.”
Another critic succinctly captured a widespread sentiment:
“Zviroto zveZanu Pf ngazvisava zvenyika. Kana Zanu ine dambudziko releadership ngarirege kuva dambudziko renyika (Zanu PF’s dreams should not become the nation’s problem. If Zanu PF has a leadership problem, it should not make it the country’s problem).”
Despite the internal party push for an extension, some Zanu-PF insiders suggest a different reality, stating,
“…the President ED said and instructed his party structures to prepare for election in 2028.”
Another added that the National Development Strategy (NDS2) running to 2030 “will be duly completed by a new Zanu PF leader who is coming in 2027.”
As the debate rages, the nation waits to see whether the President will adhere to his public commitment to constitutionalism or yield to the internal party resolution, a decision that will profoundly impact Zimbabwe’s democratic trajectory.
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