Zimbabwe Parliament Unbound: Battle Looms Over President Mnangagwa’s Term Extension

A contentious battle is brewing in Zimbabwe’s Parliament over a proposal to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office. With Parliament set to resume next week, the push for a term extension will take center stage in the upcoming session. While Mnangagwa has publicly denied interest in extending his tenure beyond 2028, Zanu-PF adopted a resolution during its annual conference in October 2024, advocating for his term to be extended until 2030.

Zanu-PF’s Internal Tensions

The proposal has sparked internal divisions within the ruling party. Some lawmakers and war veterans oppose the idea, calling on Mnangagwa to step down when his term ends. Key figures within Zanu-PF, including Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe, Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister Owen Ncube, and ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera, have emerged as supporters of the 2030 agenda. However, concerns are mounting that the proposal may lack public support.

The Parliamentary Path vs. Referendum

The plan to move the motion in Parliament was revealed in a document last year, designating Zanu-PF Bikita South legislator Energy Mutodi as the one expected to introduce the motion. With Zanu-PF holding a two-thirds majority in Parliament, Mnangagwa’s loyalists seek a parliamentary route rather than risking a referendum that could face public rejection.

The Secret Ballot Fears

Sources within the party suggest that there are fears about the outcome of a secret ballot. Growing opposition to the 2030 agenda within Zanu-PF itself could lead to a humiliating defeat. “We are in a catch-22 situation because what we gather from our interactions with constituencies is that ordinary people are not interested in this 2030 thing,” said one Zanu-PF lawmaker and Politburo member. “During the day, some MPs may be seen chanting the 2030 slogans, but if a secret vote comes, there may be a few votes from Zanu-PF MPs in support of the motion. The level of suffering cannot be ignored.”

The Role of the Opposition

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), led by Jameson Timba, has also weighed in, vowing to oppose the constitutional amendment in Parliament. Timba challenged Zanu-PF to hold a secret ballot, claiming that CCC would rally enough support to defeat the motion. “The CCC parliamentary caucus will oppose the motion by Zanu-PF to bring in a constitutional amendment bill to extend the Presidential term,” Timba told The Standard. “We will defeat it with a significant number of Zanu-PF MPs having assured us that they will vote against this madness.”

Zanu-PF’s Position

Zanu-PF’s Chief Whip, Pupurai Togarepi, stated that the party would address the matter when it comes to Parliament. “The agenda is to deal with the outstanding business of the House. Mainly, it’s about the legislative agenda set by His Excellency during the last state of the nation address,” he said.

Key Figures Against the Extension

Zanu-PF legislator Sengezo Tshabangu, who played a pivotal role in securing the party’s two-thirds majority after the CCC’s recalls, has also expressed opposition to the 2030 proposal. Tshabangu’s spokesperson, Nqobizitha Mlilo, stated that the proposal was unnecessarily divisive and should be abandoned to avoid further national discord.

The CCC’s Stance

CCC’s Chief Whip, Edwin Mushoriwa, said the party had yet to deliberate on the matter but would provide meaningful comments once a draft constitutional bill was gazetted. Timba, while targeting Zanu-PF ministers like Ziyambi Ziyambi, argued that the government should focus on improving the conditions of service for prison guards and other public sector workers rather than pursuing an extension of the president’s term.

Public vs. Parliamentary Debate

“The face of the 2030 agenda, Ziyambi Ziyambi, should redirect his energies to his co-mandate of justice by attending to the conditions of service of prison guards who are now surviving on the benevolence of prisoners,” Timba said.

The Future of Zimbabwe’s Political Landscape

With tensions rising on both sides, the coming session in Parliament promises to be a significant moment in Zimbabwe’s political landscape as the debate over the president’s term extension takes shape.

Conclusion

As Zimbabwe prepares to resume parliamentary sessions next week, the fight over President Mnangagwa’s term extension underscores the deep internal divisions within Zanu-PF and the skepticism of ordinary Zimbabweans. This constitutional battle will determine the future direction of Zimbabwe and its political landscape. Stay tuned for further developments as this critical debate unfolds.

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