Harare – The question of whether President Emmerson Mnangagwa will remain in power beyond his second and final term in 2028 will be decided by members of Zanu PF, not “outsiders,” the ruling party’s spokesperson has declared.
While Mnangagwa has maintained that he will abide by the Constitution and leave office when his current term ends, murmurs of an extension have been growing within the party. The slogan “2030 vaMnangagwa vanenge vachipo” (Mnangagwa will be there in 2030) has become a common chant at Zanu PF gatherings, suggesting a desire within the party to keep the 81-year-old leader at the helm.
However, Zanu PF information secretary Christopher Mutsvangwa has sought to quell any speculation about outside interference in the decision-making process. Addressing journalists at the party headquarters in Harare on Thursday, Mutsvangwa stated unequivocally that the decision on Mnangagwa’s future rests solely with Zanu PF members.
“The President knows what is good about Zimbabwe by adhering to the dictates of the constitution that he will not run for a third term,” Mutsvangwa said. “People outside the party should not dictate who will be the next in power because Zanu PF is a constituent which follows the constitution which will be decided next month in the Congress.”
Mutsvangwa’s comments come amidst speculation about factionalism within Zanu PF, with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga widely tipped to succeed Mnangagwa. However, Mutsvangwa dismissed these reports, stating that the party is united and will follow the constitution.
“The President has already made it clear that he will not be rallying for a term beyond 2028,” Mutsvangwa added.
Despite the party’s official stance, Mnangagwa’s loyalists are pushing for him to stay on beyond 2028, arguing that he needs to complete the projects he has started, particularly his Vision 2030 Blueprint.
The decision on Mnangagwa’s future will be made at the upcoming Zanu PF Congress next month. This event will see the party’s leadership structure being reviewed and debated, with the potential for significant changes to the party’s direction.
The spotlight will be on the Congress as Zimbabweans wait to see if Mnangagwa will remain in power beyond 2028, or if a new leader will emerge to take the reins of the nation.
