Within Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party, there are increasing demands to amend the Constitution to enable the current president to remain in office beyond the legal limits.
After initially assuming the presidency through a coup in November 2017 and serving the remainder of his predecessor’s term, the president officially began his first term following the 2018 elections. His second term, which commenced in August 2023, is legally restricted to being his final term.
Despite this, a report indicates that Harare Province’s chairperson has advocated for legislative changes to extend the president’s tenure. He suggested either extending the length of each term or removing term limits entirely.
A new constitutional challenge
Zimbabwe’s Constitution, introduced 11 years ago following Mugabe’s removal, established the current presidential term limits.
In 2021, there were discussions about removing a provision that allowed the president to appoint or dismiss deputies at will, which could bypass potential opposition.
To extend President Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond 2028, changes to Section 91 of the Constitution would be necessary. This process requires the Speaker to publish the proposed changes in the Gazette, followed by a 90-day waiting period before the amendment can be introduced in Parliament. It also involves collecting written feedback and conducting public hearings.
The bill must be approved by a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the Senate, and the Speaker and Senate presiding officer must certify its approval before it reaches the president.
However, Section 328(7) of the Constitution states that amendments to term limits do not apply to current officeholders, preventing Mnangagwa from benefiting from such changes. Therefore, to extend term limits, Section 328(7) would first need to be repealed or amended, which involves a similar legislative process and a public referendum.
Human rights lawyer Nqobani Sithole noted that even if an extension were legally achieved, it would not benefit the sitting president and would amount to a constitutional coup.
Calls for Term Extension Emerge
Despite previously pledging not to alter the Constitution to extend his presidency, some provinces in Zimbabwe are now pushing for a two-year extension for the current president until 2030.
Supporters at recent rallies, attended by the president and his deputies, argue that he should be allowed to complete his development goals for 2030. Within Zanu-PF, Mnangagwa holds the position of first secretary, with Chiwenga and Mohadi as second secretaries.
Chiwenga is frequently mentioned as a potential successor, though Mohadi has not expressed any presidential ambitions.
Internal Party Dynamics at Play
The proposed term extension could disrupt Chiwenga’s chances of succeeding Mnangagwa. Last year, advisor Eddie Cross criticized Chiwenga’s potential presidency, describing him as a relic of the past.
Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa also indicated that Mnangagwa is unlikely to pass the presidency to Chiwenga. Extending Mnangagwa’s term might lead to further instability and undermine democratic processes, similar to other instances where leaders have attempted to extend their rule.
Dr. Ibbo Mandaza has condemned such attempts as detrimental to constitutional democracy. In other countries, efforts to extend presidential terms, like those of Macky Sall in Senegal and Alpha Condé in Guinea, have faced significant challenges or led to political upheaval.
Mandaza noted the current opposition’s weakness and skepticism about Mnangagwa’s ability to successfully navigate this internal Zanu-PF conflict.