Bulawayo – The Zanu-PF Annual People’s Conference in Bulawayo concluded with a dramatic twist on Saturday. While the party overwhelmingly passed a resolution to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term in office until 2030, the President himself swiftly rejected the proposal, leaving the political landscape in a state of flux.
The resolution, announced to a jubilant auditorium by party secretary for legal affairs, Patrick Chinamasa, proposed extending Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond the constitutionally mandated limit of 2028.
The proposal, a culmination of intense lobbying by the President’s ardent supporters, stated: “The 21st Zanu PF people’s conference has resolved that the term of office for the President, HE Emmerson Mnangagwa be increased from 2028 to 2030. We have achieved a lot under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, hence we understand the motivation of this conference to have him lead beyond 2028.”
It further stipulated that the necessary constitutional amendments would be initiated to effect this change. However, Chinamasa immediately clarified that this resolution lacked the President’s support. He emphatically stated that Mnangagwa, despite the party’s decision, remains committed to adhering to the constitution and will not seek a term beyond 2028.
“The resolution will not go anywhere,” Chinamasa declared.
He detailed the legal complexities involved in extending the presidential term, explaining that two separate constitutional amendments would be required: one to remove presidential term limits and another to address the constitutional restrictions on serving beyond 2028.
Each amendment would necessitate a separate referendum. Chinamasa revealed that he had consulted Mnangagwa on three separate occasions, receiving consistent assurances that the President would not seek an extension.
“I was granted a meeting in August where I raised the issue. I had to find out what his position is. I was given an answer but I was not satisfied. I asked for a meeting again in mid-September. I was given the same answer that I was given in August. Just to be sure, I called and asked for another meeting which the president granted me on Tuesday. I was given the same answer that I was given in August and in September.
“Just before I took the podium I whispered in the ear of the president: ‘Does what you told me in the three meetings still stand?’ And he was emphatic, it still stands. His Excellency says he is a constitutionalist. He is saying, ‘I will abide by the constitution which limits presidential terms and I have no intention of serving beyond 2028.’ This will come as sad news to you, but please don’t stone the messenger,” Chinamasa recounted.
He further stressed that the resolution is contingent upon Mnangagwa’s approval and cannot be implemented without his explicit consent.
“We have our resolution but we must understand as we leave here that it will not go anywhere because the president is emphatic that when 2028 comes he will not serve beyond that date. He is very emphatic that he had a hand in the drafting of this constitution and he cannot be seen nationally, globally to be the first to violate what he put in place,” Chinamasa explained.
The President’s steadfast rejection of the resolution, however, has not entirely quelled speculation. The fact that the resolution passed unanimously, with support from all ten provinces and thematic committees, suggests a level of encouragement or at least acquiescence from Mnangagwa himself.
His loyalists often take their cues from him, especially on matters of significant political import. The timing of the resolution, coming amidst intense political maneuvering within Zanu-PF, further fuels this speculation.
This political manoeuvre is particularly noteworthy given the known opposition from Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and his faction within the party. Chiwenga’s conspicuous silence on the matter at the conference serves as another indication of the underlying tensions within the ruling party. Mnangagwa’s apparent willingness to allow the resolution to proceed, despite his stated opposition, hints at a complex political strategy.
The President’s claim of being a constitutionalist is being met with scepticism from some quarters. Exiled former cabinet minister and ex-Zanu PF political commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere, expressed his doubts on X, stating: “The worst mistake any people can do is to give power to a corrupt and wicked man, because you won’t remove him. From day one, he will find ways to fortify himself so that his past never catches up with him. A man with a lot to lose will never let go…”
