ZIMBABWEAN President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has assured the nation that he will not seek to extend his presidency beyond the two five-year terms allowed by the constitution. However, some remain sceptical about his commitment to stepping down after his second term.
Supporters of the ruling ZANU-PF party gathered at the party headquarters, chanting slogans suggesting Mnangagwa would remain in power until 2030—two years beyond the constitutional limit. Addressing the crowd, Mnangagwa emphasised his adherence to the constitution, stating, ‘I am a constitutionalist. We must abide by the provisions of our constitution to the letter.’
In Shona, his native language, Mnangagwa added, ‘When time comes to go home, I will go! Let’s follow the principles of the party,’ further energising the crowd.
Mnangagwa’s rise to power followed the military-assisted removal of Robert Mugabe in 2017. He subsequently won a disputed election in 2018. While some Zimbabweans fear he may seek to amend the constitution to run for a third term in 2028, Mnangagwa’s recent statements seem aimed at dispelling those concerns.
Kudzai Mutisi, a pro-ZANU-PF political commentator, believes Mnangagwa is addressing those lobbying for him to extend his stay in power, emphasising that the president’s stated position should be respected.
However, critics like lawyer Brighton Mutebuka remain unconvinced, suggesting that Mnangagwa’s public statements are an attempt to mislead both his party and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Concerns have grown after the 2021 Constitutional Court decision allowing Chief Justice Luke Malaba to extend his tenure, raising fears of potential constitutional amendments.
An SADC observer mission recently criticised Zimbabwe’s August 2023 elections for not meeting the bloc’s standards. Despite the criticism, Zimbabwe is set to assume the rotating chair of SADC following a meeting next week.
