Harare Correspondent
HARARE – The bid by ZANU-PF to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Presidency beyond the constitutional limit of 2028 is reportedly gaining traction, with several party structures rallying nationwide support for the initiative.
Currently, Mnangagwa’s term is set to conclude in 2028, marking the end of his second and final term as President.
Despite this constitutional limitation, there are increasing calls within ZANU PF to extend his tenure until 2030.
While Mnangagwa has consistently stated that he does not intend to remain in office beyond 2028, various ZANU PF affiliates have openly endorsed the idea of extending his presidency. Last weekend, ZANU PF chairpersons from all 10 provinces convened at the President’s Precabe farm in Kwekwe, where they reaffirmed their commitment to pushing for the extension of Mnangagwa’s term.
In an interview with the Independent, ZANU PF spokesperson Chris Mutsvangwa articulated the party’s strategy to promote Mnangagwa’s accomplishments since he took office in 2017.
“The party is preparing for the eventuality of implementing the 2030 resolution,” Mutsvangwa stated.
“This entails mass awareness of the sterling record of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa as a deliverer of rare calibre statesmanship.”
Mutsvangwa further emphasized that the party membership is focused on engaging positively with the electorate.
“The party organs and mass structures are now mobilising to parry aside any distractions as he discharges his second term. They are keen to see much more of the development dividend,” he said.
“He will garner overwhelming membership support on merit and track record of performance and delivery. This is why his detractors are quaking.”
ZANU PF is scheduled to hold an elective congress in 2027, ahead of the harmonised elections set for 2028.
Goodwills Masimirembwa, the ZANU PF Harare provincial chairperson, confirmed the party’s support for an amendment to the constitution that would allow Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond 2028.
“Implementation of National Conference resolutions is done by ZANU PF national leadership, not by provinces,” Masimirembwa explained.
“Harare Province adopted the 2030 resolution together with other provinces. Nothing has changed.”
He reiterated the province’s unwavering loyalty to Mnangagwa, stating,
“We remain in full support and look forward to the amendment of the constitution or passing of other legal instruments to enable His Excellency Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa to continue serving as State President beyond 2028. ZANU PF provinces are not in the business of thinking about other candidates during the term of an incumbent. Our total and undivided loyalty is to His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.”
Despite the growing support for an extension, Mnangagwa is currently limited by the constitution, which allows for only two five-year terms in office. Even if amendments were made, certain provisions would still require a referendum to be changed, preventing the incumbent from benefitting from an extension beyond 2028.
As discussions continue, the political landscape in Zimbabwe remains dynamic, with the future of the presidency hanging in the balance.
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