From Zanu-PF to Parliament: Secret Plot to Keep Mnangagwa in Power After 2028 Exposed – Insider Details Revealed!

President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his inner circle are reportedly orchestrating a plan to amend Zimbabwe’s constitution, potentially allowing him to remain in power beyond his constitutionally mandated two terms, which end in 2028, The News Hawks has reported.

This audacious manoeuvre is expected to be a key discussion point at the upcoming Zanu-PF annual conference in Bulawayo, scheduled for October 22nd to 27th. The conference, anticipated to draw at least 4,000 delegates, is set to become a pivotal moment in Zimbabwean politics.

The strategy involves securing a resolution at the conference to amend the constitution, paving the way for an extension of Mnangagwa’s presidency, potentially until 2030. This resolution would then be presented to Parliament for enactment. Sources within Zanu-PF have revealed that the plan includes gaining support from opposition legislators aligned with Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) self-imposed secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu. This suggests a level of cross-party collaboration, or at least a willingness to compromise on this critical issue. The implications of such a move are far-reaching and potentially destabilizing for the nation’s political landscape.

Adding fuel to the speculation, Lovemore Matuke, Zanu-PF secretary for national security and a close ally of Mnangagwa, recently hinted at the possibility of constitutional amendments during a public gathering. His comments, delivered at a Zanu-PF provincial coordinating committee meeting in the Midlands, were direct and unambiguous.

“I have heard people talking about the constitution, what it purportedly stipulates, and that is your feeling. But remember, we have made amendments before, and this constitution is not cast in stone,” Matuke stated.

He continued, “If we can change the constitution to suit what we want; we will do it without any apologies. Don’t let people lie to you.”

Further bolstering the notion of a potential constitutional amendment, Zanu-PF’s national political commissar, Munyaradzi Machacha, recently linked the idea to the principle of democracy. He argued that if the people desire Mnangagwa to continue ruling beyond 2028, then that should be accommodated.

Machacha stated, “Isn’t this what you term democracy? If we remain silent, you say there’s no democracy. If others speak, you question it. The people are talking, and the President is listening to their wishes,”

He concluded, “The people know the constitution, but they also want his leadership to continue. It’s now up to him to decide.”

The groundwork for this potential constitutional amendment is already underway. Zanu-PF provincial structures are holding meetings to formulate resolutions for the Bulawayo conference, with a significant number advocating for Mnangagwa to remain in power beyond 2028. This includes the Matabeleland South Zanu-PF women’s league, which has already passed such a resolution.

Mabel Chinomona, the league’s national secretary, has pledged to convey these sentiments to Mnangagwa, describing him as a “listening President” receptive to the people’s voice. This concerted effort from within the party clearly indicates a well-coordinated strategy.

Godwills Masimirembwa, Zanu-PF’s Harare provincial chairperson, explicitly confirmed the plan to amend the constitution, stating that the proposal would be formally presented at the Bulawayo conference. He outlined three potential approaches: extending the duration of each presidential term, increasing the term limit from two to three, or removing the term limit altogether. These options highlight the various avenues being considered to circumvent the current constitutional restrictions.

However, this ambitious plan faces significant legal challenges. Constitutional law experts point out that any amendment to extend presidential term limits is a complex process requiring a referendum and, crucially, cannot benefit the incumbent president.

Achieving the necessary two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the Senate presents a considerable hurdle, particularly given Zanu-PF’s lack of a two-thirds majority in the Senate. While Zanu-PF holds a majority in the National Assembly, securing the necessary support in the Senate, which includes opposition members, would require significant political maneuvering.

Innocent Gonese, a seasoned lawyer and former Member of Parliament, explained the legal impediments, citing section 328 of the constitution.

He stated, “A reading of section 328, particularly paragraph 7, makes it very clear that the intention of the framers of the constitution was to prevent a situation where term limits can be easily extended…In other words, any such amendment cannot then benefit the person who is in occupation of that particular office.”

Gonese further emphasized the need for two referendums, one to remove the relevant sections and another for the amendment to take effect.

The political implications are equally significant. While Zanu-PF currently holds a majority in the National Assembly, securing the necessary two-thirds majority across both houses of Parliament remains a formidable task.

Even if achieved, the constitutional provision preventing incumbents from benefiting from term limit extensions poses a substantial obstacle to Mnangagwa’s ambitions. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing succession battles within Zanu-PF, with Mnangagwa’s deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, presenting a significant challenge to his continued leadership.