HARARE – Zimbabwe is teetering on the brink of a constitutional crisis, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s alleged pursuit of a third term in office dominating the political landscape.
While Mnangagwa publicly denies any intention to exceed his constitutionally mandated two terms, ending in 2028, his actions tell a different story. Zanu-PF provinces, spearheaded by his home province of Masvingo, are actively campaigning for his continued leadership until 2030, openly flouting the country’s constitutional limits on presidential terms.
This brazen disregard for the constitution has prompted strong condemnation from prominent political figures. Former finance minister and prominent opposition leader Tendai Biti, who announced a sabbatical from active politics following what he termed the “demise” of the once-powerful CCC, has labelled Mnangagwa’s actions the “biggest existential threat” facing Zimbabwe.
In a recent post on X, Biti warned of the ruling party’s determination to secure Mnangagwa’s continued rule, stating: “The biggest fight we face in 2025 is the unlawful unconstitutional attempts to force march an extension of the Presidential Term Limit. They will pull no stops to achieve this nefarious agenda. We have to be ready to say no to fascism &authoritarian consolidation #NoToA3Term.”
A few months ago, Mwonzora stated: “We have a fundamental difference on the efforts by some in Zanu PF and the opposition to extend the presidential and parliamentary terms. Zimbabwe has a constitution that is clear on this issue. We say no to the desecration of our constitution.”
The push for a third term is not just a constitutional issue; it’s also exacerbating existing tensions within Zanu-PF. Mnangagwa’s reported cold war with his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, a key player in the 2017 coup that removed Robert Mugabe, adds another layer of complexity.
The factionalism within Zanu-PF, reminiscent of the divisions that preceded the 2017 coup, raises fears of a potential power grab, this time potentially orchestrated by Chiwenga with military support. The open defiance of party orders to halt the chanting of slogans like “ED 2030” at Zanu-PF gatherings further underscores the lack of internal control and the potential for a constitutional crisis.
Even if a constitutional amendment were to pass, legal experts question its validity. Such an amendment, requiring a two-thirds majority in parliament and a public referendum, would still be legally dubious, as it would allow an incumbent president to benefit from a change in the rules. Such a move would severely damage Mnangagwa’s democratic credentials and could potentially unite the often-divided opposition against him.
Biti’s call for a “common front in defence of the constitution” highlights the urgent need for a unified opposition to confront this challenge. The stakes are high; the potential for political instability, economic uncertainty, and a further erosion of democratic norms is significant. The pursuit of a third term is not merely a political manoeuvre; it represents a direct assault on the very foundation of Zimbabwe’s constitutional democracy.
