Zimbabwe's Ruling Party Moves to Extend President Mnangagwa's Term

Strategic Insights -

The ruling ZANU-PF party in Zimbabwe has announced plans to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term by two years, potentially keeping him in power until 2030. The move comes ahead of Mnangagwa's scheduled departure in 2028, following two five-year terms as president. The decision was made at the party's annual conference in Mutare, with hundreds of delegates cheering the motion's passage. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who also serves as the party's legal secretary, stated that the government will initiate the necessary legislative amendments to implement the plan.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ZANU-PF party aims to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term by two years, potentially keeping him in power until 2030.
  • The move requires amending the term-limit provisions in the Zimbabwean Constitution, which can only be done through a referendum.
  • Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi stated that the government will initiate the necessary legislative amendments to implement the plan.
  • The party, which has been in power since 1980, controls Parliament, and factions within the party are divided on the issue, with some opposing a term extension.
  • Vice President Constantino Chiwenga's allies have publicly denounced the campaign for a term extension, while Mnangagwa has remained silent on the matter.
  • The move comes as the ZANU-PF party seeks to consolidate power, with similar constitutional changes having prolonged the rule of several African leaders in recent years.

Statistics:

  • 83: The age of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is seeking to extend his term by two years.
  • 1980: The year the ZANU-PF party came to power in Zimbabwe.
  • 2028: The year in which President Mnangagwa is scheduled to step down, following two five-year terms as president.
  • 2030: The potential year in which President Mnangagwa could remain in power if the term extension is successful.
  • Thousands: The number of viewers who have watched Blessed Geza's YouTube broadcasts denouncing the campaign for a term extension.

Sources:

  • AP. (2025, February 22). Zimbabwe’s ruling party moves to extend President Mnangagwa’s term. The Associated Press.