For over two years, Zimbabwe has been locked in a debate about Zanu PF manoeuvres to amend the constitution in order to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term by two years.
The constitution, which was overwhelmingly endorsed by Zimbabweans in a referendum in 2013, limits presidents to two five year terms.
Most people were interested in the presidential term limits after enduring over three decades of Robert Mugabe’s authoritarian rule.
Mnangagwa, who was Mugabe’s lieutenant for most of his brutal rule, in 2017 claimed to have seen the light and promised to introduce a new kind of democracy in Zimbabwe.
In 2018, he told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour in an interview that he wanted to “embed constitutionalism in Zimbabwe.” He said he won’t overstay his welcome.
However, resolutions of the past two Zanu PF conferences for him to stay in power after his two terms end in 2028 suggest that those promises are about to be broken.
Last year, Mnangagwa on more than four occasions said he would retire when his term ends.
He told editors at State House in February 2025 that “I will persuade the persuaders not to persuade me so that I remain constitutional.”
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The Zanu PF leader does not seem to be keeping that promise either as his Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has promised that he will be gazetting the proposed constitutional amendments anytime from now.
We expect the amendments to be gazetted next month when Mnangagwa returns from leave.
Those who are briefed about Mnangagwa’s loyalists’ plans say they will do everything possible to avoid a referendum on the constitutional changes. The devious plans are contrary to the president’s claims to be a constitutionalist and it is high time that he puts brakes to the plans to mutilate the constitution in his name.
Mnangagwa has been in government since 1980 and during that time he held very senior positions. He has been president for nine years.
The Zanu PF party's push to amend the constitution to extend his term raises concerns about his commitment to constitutionalism.
Mnangagwa’s history and the party’s actions suggest a pattern of prioritising power over democratic principles.
Zimbabweans voted for term limits to prevent extended rule, and it's crucial that Mnangagwa respects this decision.
With no compelling reasons given for staying beyond 2028, it's time for Mnangagwa to prepare for a transition. Zimbabweans deserve a break from prolonged rule and an opportunity for new leadership to drive change.
