The ruling ZANU PF party has reaffirmed its intention to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office beyond 2028 to 2030, describing the move as a reflection of the “democratic will of the people,” while the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has dismissed the proposal as unconstitutional and self-serving.
Addressing journalists at the conclusion of the ZANU PF National People’s Conference in Mutare, party spokesperson Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa said Resolution Number 1, endorsed unanimously by all ten provinces, calls for the continuation of President Mnangagwa’s leadership in recognition of what the party says are his economic achievements.
“This is a resolution which originated from the grassroots — from the cells, branches, districts, inter-districts, and provinces — until it emerged as the unanimous resolution of all delegates,” Mutsvangwa said. “Not a single dissenting voice was heard.”
He added that the resolution was driven by what members viewed as President Mnangagwa’s successful turnaround of the economy.
“They called upon the President to continue because he has delivered. The economy was comatose, and now it is vibrant,” Mutsvangwa said. “Of course, the President is a constitutionalist and maintains that he will serve two terms, but this does not take away the people’s democratic wish for him to continue.”
Mutsvangwa said the party would explore constitutional mechanisms to make the resolution “realizable,” noting that the final decision ultimately rests with the President.
However, the proposal has been strongly rejected by the MDC, led by Douglas Mwonzora, who criticized the move as a betrayal of democratic principles and the national constitution.
“Why should we give President Mnangagwa, who is over 80, another term?” Mwonzora said. “He has been in government since 1980 — first as a minister, then as president. He should be grateful for the time he has served and not seek to go beyond the two-term limit.”
Mwonzora argued that extending President Mnangagwa’s rule would worsen Zimbabwe’s image internationally and further erode the living standards of ordinary citizens.
“There is nothing special that Zimbabweans have received from his presidency. Poverty and unemployment remain high, and many cannot afford a meal a day,” he said. “Pushing for a third term cements our characterization as a pariah state that disregards its own laws.”
The MDC leader also emphasized that the 2013 Constitution — which his party helped draft — clearly limits presidential terms to two.
“The people of Zimbabwe want leaders who respect the constitution. Serve your term, and then go home,” he said.
While ZANU PF insists the proposal reflects popular will, analysts say any constitutional amendment to extend presidential tenure would likely face legal and political resistance ahead of the 2028 general elections.
For now, President Mnangagwa has not publicly committed to pursuing the extension, maintaining that he remains guided by the constitution.
