In the wake of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent rejection of a proposed two-year extension to his term, constitutional lawyer and leader of the National Constitutional Assembly, Professor Lovemore Madhuku, has expressed skepticism about the feasibility of amending term limits in Zimbabwe.
Professor Madhuku argues that while the legal framework allows for constitutional amendments, the practical steps involved make it “almost impossible” to achieve such changes.
He outlined the rigorous process, which begins with a 90-day public debate on any proposed amendment, followed by a requirement for a two-thirds majority approval in both houses of Parliament and a subsequent referendum. “The steps will require a publication of the first bill, where they seek to amend the constitution,” Madhuku stated, highlighting the likelihood that public sentiment would be against such changes.
He pointed out that the upcoming referendum would essentially boil down to a vote on President Mnangagwa himself, suggesting that many citizens would prefer a term limit rather than a prolonged presidency.
With President Mnangagwa’s party, the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), having adopted a resolution for an extension, Madhuku believes the constitutional amendment process may not be completed in time for the next election cycle in 2028, raising questions about the ruling party’s strategy moving forward.
