HARARE – Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu-PF, has sparked a constitutional crisis by seeking to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule beyond the two-term limit, igniting widespread outrage and fears for the country’s democratic future.
The move has been widely condemned by observers as undemocratic and unconstitutional.
At a recent provincial meeting, Zanu-PF’s Harare province passed a resolution instructing the party’s legal department to initiate moves to amend the constitution, allowing Mnangagwa to continue leading beyond 2028.
The proposed amendments include extending the number of years in each term, removing the two-term limit, or scrapping term limits altogether.
Legal experts, however, argue that any constitutional amendment cannot benefit the incumbent president, citing the constitutional provision that restricts a president to a maximum of two terms.
Thabani Mpofu, a constitutional lawyer, stated that any attempt to extend Mnangagwa’s rule would be “futile” and a “blatant violation of constitutionalism.”
“The constitutional provision that restricts a president to a maximum of two terms is a term limit provision,” Mpofu stated.
“As such, any successful amendment to this provision cannot be applied retroactively to benefit the incumbent.
“In simple terms, Mnangagwa is constitutionally ineligible to benefit from an extension of the presidential term limit. Therefore, any attempt to do so would not only be futile but also a blatant violation of constitutionalism.”
Former Finance Minister and top lawyer Tendai Biti warned that Zimbabwe faces its “biggest existential threat” if the ruling party succeeds in its plans.
“Meanwhile, it is now self-evident that the 3rd term agenda is in full throttle. This is the biggest existential threat we face as citizens. The push for a 3rd term will push the country to the brink. It is time for a common front in Defence of the Constitution,” Biti said.
The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition has also condemned the move, calling on all Zimbabweans to unite and reject the “unconstitutional power grab.”
The coalition also urged regional bodies like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union to monitor the situation closely and exert pressure on the Mnangagwa government to uphold the constitution.
“We, the people of Zimbabwe, will not stand idly by and watch our hard-won democratic rights he eroded. The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition calls on all Zimbabweans, across political, ethnic and social divides, to unite and reject this unconstitutional power grab.
“The Coalition will mobilize the grassroots to resist this illegal intent we will go to the farms, townships, schools, churches, and all progressive forces should join us in this fight.
“Our message is clear: The people of Zimbabwe will not accept any amendments to the constitution that undermine our democracy and the rule of law. President Mnangagwa must respect the two-term limit and hand over power peacefully when his term expires in 2028.
“We urge regional bodies like SADC and the African Union to closely monitor the situation in Zimbabwe and exert pressure on the Mnangagwa government to uphold the constitution.
“Any attempts to extend his rule through undemocratic means must be met with swift and decisive action, including targeted sanctions.”
Although Mnangagwa has publicly rejected calls to extend his term, saying the party will select its next leader at the 2027 congress, many remain skeptical of his intentions.
This is because he has failed to silence his supporters, who persist in pushing for an extension of the presidential term limit.
