President Emmerson Mnangagwa has dismissed speculation that he will seek to extend his presidency beyond 2028, saying he will persuade those trying to convince him to stay on to let him rest and allow the party to choose new leadership. His remarks come amid growing debate over a possible term extension.
Speaking to news editors in Harare this week, President Mnangagwa reaffirmed his commitment to Zimbabwe’s constitutional term limits, which allow a president to serve a maximum of two five-year terms.
However, discussions within the ruling Zanu-PF party have fueled speculation about a possible extension, with some officials suggesting an additional two years could be added to his term, pushing it to 2030.
While the President appears to have shut down any talk of an extension, opinions remain divided. The opposition, including the MDC-T and civil society groups, have strongly rejected any attempt to amend the Constitution, warning it would undermine democracy and damage Zimbabwe’s international standing.
However, some within Zanu-PF argue that President Mnangagwa should be given more time to complete development projects under his administration.
For now, the President insists he will step aside in 2028, but with political dynamics shifting, the debate over term limits is far from over.
