President Emmerson Mnangagwa has affirmed that he will not extend his presidential term beyond 2028, despite a resolution by Zanu PF for him to remain in office until 2030.
The resolution was adopted at the party’s 21st National People’s Conference, held in Bulawayo. It called for Mnangagwa’s leadership to continue beyond the current term, with a mandate for the party to amend the constitution to enable him to lead both the party and the government beyond 2028.
The announcement of the resolution was met with celebration from party delegates, who chanted Mnangagwa’s name in approval.
However, the mood shifted when the party’s legal secretary, Patrick Chinamasa, disclosed that he had consulted the president, who reiterated his commitment to stepping down at the end of his term in 2028.
I understand clearly the motivation behind the resolution. We have scored great achievements in a very short space of time under the leadership of His Excellency the president. So, I understand the motivation that these achievements must continue,” Chinamasa said.
“However, our department was being asked if it is legally possible and the short answer I gave is that yes its legally possible but to achieve it we will need two separate constitutional amendments, one amendment to remove the presidential term that is fixed in the constitution, the next constitutional amendment should be to remove the disability that the constitution places on His Excellency to serve beyond 2028. The constitutional bills must be separate and each bill must be followed by a referendum.”
Chinamasa revealed that he consulted Mnangagwa on three separate occasions regarding the matter, but the president consistently emphasised his intention to honour the constitution.
“I thought on this referendum I should seek instructions from His Excellency the President to find out what his position is. I was given and answer but I was not satisfied. I asked again for a meeting mid-September and I was given the same answer. I asked for another meeting on Tuesday and I was given the same answer. He said he is a constitutionalist and will abide by the constitution which limits presidential terms and I have no intention of serving beyond 2028,” Chinamasa said.
He added, “Of all the resolutions, this is the one that cannot be implemented without the express consent and agreement of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. It should be understood that this resolution will not proceed any further.”
In his closing remarks, Mnangagwa said he had reminded Chimanasa that as lawyers they should always abide by the constitution.
“I always remind my young brother Chinamasa that as a lawyer you must be legalistic,” Mnangagwa said.
With factional politics playing out during the conference, some analysts see this as a strategic move by Mnangagwa in his power struggle with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is considered a potential successor.
