Zanu-PF is pushing back against a legal challenge to its internal discussions about changing presidential term limits. The party argues a court application from Mbuso Fuzwayo, who leads the group Ibhetshu Likazulu, is premature because no formal amendment process has started. Fuzwayo's filing seeks to block any move to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure beyond 2028, naming the party and officials like Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and Speaker Jacob Mudenda as respondents.
In an affidavit, party official Munyaradzi Machacha stated the complaint is speculative. He contended any future amendment would follow legal procedures and public hearings, focusing on sections of the constitution that do not require a referendum. Machacha distinguished between altering the length of a term, which the party's conference resolutions addressed, and removing term limits entirely, which would need a popular vote. He claimed shorter terms have caused political instability in Africa and that the proposed change aligns with a continental trend.
Zanu-PF maintains it will adhere to constitutional processes if it pursues amendments. The court must now decide whether to hear the case, which also asks for an injunction against implementing the party's recent conference decisions. A hearing date has not been scheduled.
In an affidavit, party official Munyaradzi Machacha stated the complaint is speculative. He contended any future amendment would follow legal procedures and public hearings, focusing on sections of the constitution that do not require a referendum. Machacha distinguished between altering the length of a term, which the party's conference resolutions addressed, and removing term limits entirely, which would need a popular vote. He claimed shorter terms have caused political instability in Africa and that the proposed change aligns with a continental trend.
Zanu-PF maintains it will adhere to constitutional processes if it pursues amendments. The court must now decide whether to hear the case, which also asks for an injunction against implementing the party's recent conference decisions. A hearing date has not been scheduled.
