MDC leader Douglas Mwonzora has dismissed suggestions that Zimbabwe's Constitution contains any provision allowing ZANU-PF to legally prolong President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure past the 2028 deadline. The former GNU negotiator told reporters in Bulawayo that altering presidential term limits would require a national referendum, which he believes the ruling party avoids because citizens would reject such changes.
Mwonzora criticized ZANU-PF's recent Mutare congress decision advocating for Mnangagwa to remain in office through 2030, calling it a distraction from pressing national challenges. He accused the ruling party of offering salary increases and extended parliamentary terms to legislators, including opposition members, as incentives for supporting the extension plan.
The MDC president rejected constitutional interpretations by Jonathan Moyo and Tawanda Nyambirai, suggesting possible legal pathways for term extension, arguing that Section 328 clearly restricts the duration of presidential service. Mwonzora questioned the 83-year-old president's pursuit of another term, noting limited development gains for ordinary Zimbabweans since he took power.
Mwonzora criticized ZANU-PF's recent Mutare congress decision advocating for Mnangagwa to remain in office through 2030, calling it a distraction from pressing national challenges. He accused the ruling party of offering salary increases and extended parliamentary terms to legislators, including opposition members, as incentives for supporting the extension plan.
The MDC president rejected constitutional interpretations by Jonathan Moyo and Tawanda Nyambirai, suggesting possible legal pathways for term extension, arguing that Section 328 clearly restricts the duration of presidential service. Mwonzora questioned the 83-year-old president's pursuit of another term, noting limited development gains for ordinary Zimbabweans since he took power.
