A significant political confrontation is unfolding in Zimbabwe following a resolution by the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) to amend the constitution, paving the way for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to seek a third term in office.
The country’s constitution currently mandates that the 83-year-old leader step down in 2028 after serving two elected terms. However, during its recently concluded 22nd National People’s Conference, the party passed a directive to extend his tenure to 2030.
A reading of the conference’s resolution stated, “It is resolved that his term of office as president of the Republic of Zimbabwe be extended beyond 2028 to 2030. The party and government are therefore directed to initiate the requisite legislative amendments to give full effect to this resolution to ensure continuity, stability and the sustained transformation of the nation.”
Noting that no notable steps had been taken to implement this resolution since it was first made, the conference went further, issuing a direct order. It “reaffirms this resolution and directs the secretary for legal affairs and the minister of justice to ensure that before the 23rd National People’s Conference this resolution of the party is fully implemented.”
The move has exposed deep fissures within the liberation party. While the official line promotes “revolutionary continuity,” some party members have openly defied the leadership. One member, speaking against the motion, argued for genuine economic empowerment and reminded the party of its temporary role, stating, “We must always remember that we are not the alpha and omega of Zimbabwe’s journey. Ours is to carry forward the torch passed to us by those who gave everything without expectation of reward.”
President Mnangagwa, who has previously identified as a constitutionalist and denied any desire to cling to power, did not openly reject the resolution. Instead, he praised the conference, saying, “I wish to applaud the 22nd National People’s Conference for engaging in discussions that were robust, candid, and factual as well as forward-looking and inclusive.” He added that the resolutions demonstrated the party was a “well-oiled machine ready to leap forward our industrialization and modernization.”
Political observers view this development as a critical turning point. They believe the pronouncement is the clearest signal yet that Mnangagwa intends to rule beyond his constitutional limit. Furthermore, the push for a third term is seen as a direct challenge to ambitions within his own party, particularly denting the presumed bid of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga to succeed Mnangagwa in 2028.
The controversial effort to alter the constitution is expected to heighten political tensions in Zimbabwe and is being closely watched across the region for its potential ripple effects on governance and democratic norms.