Zimbabwe's Ruling Party Moves to Extend President's Term Through 2030.
Zimbabwe's ruling party, Zanu PF, has initiated steps to extend President Mnangagwa's presidency until 2030 through a proposed constitutional amendment, bypassing the need for a public referendum.
The party plans to postpone the scheduled 2028 elections by two years via parliamentary action. This decision follows Resolution Number One, adopted at Zanu PF's Annual National People's Conference in Bulawayo last October.
"Parliament will implement the conference resolution. There is no going back," said Zanu PF National Political Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha at a Provincial Coordinating Committee meeting in Mashonaland Central on Saturday.
Harare Provincial Chairman Godwills Masimirembwa explained the legal strategy at a youth meeting. He cited Section 91(2) of the Constitution, which defines a presidential term as three or more years. The party maintains this extension would not violate term limits since it merely delays elections without changing the two-term restriction.
"A referendum becomes necessary only if we alter the term limit provision," Masimirembwa said. "The President remains within constitutional bounds. The amendment simply postpones elections until 2030."
Party officials stated that opponents had opportunities to challenge the resolution during earlier committee meetings and conferences. The focus has shifted to implementation through parliamentary processes.
The proposed constitutional change would keep President Mnangagwa in office beyond the current 2028 limit, extending his leadership through parliamentary amendment rather than public vote.
Zimbabwe's ruling party, Zanu PF, has initiated steps to extend President Mnangagwa's presidency until 2030 through a proposed constitutional amendment, bypassing the need for a public referendum.
The party plans to postpone the scheduled 2028 elections by two years via parliamentary action. This decision follows Resolution Number One, adopted at Zanu PF's Annual National People's Conference in Bulawayo last October.
"Parliament will implement the conference resolution. There is no going back," said Zanu PF National Political Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha at a Provincial Coordinating Committee meeting in Mashonaland Central on Saturday.
Harare Provincial Chairman Godwills Masimirembwa explained the legal strategy at a youth meeting. He cited Section 91(2) of the Constitution, which defines a presidential term as three or more years. The party maintains this extension would not violate term limits since it merely delays elections without changing the two-term restriction.
"A referendum becomes necessary only if we alter the term limit provision," Masimirembwa said. "The President remains within constitutional bounds. The amendment simply postpones elections until 2030."
Party officials stated that opponents had opportunities to challenge the resolution during earlier committee meetings and conferences. The focus has shifted to implementation through parliamentary processes.
The proposed constitutional change would keep President Mnangagwa in office beyond the current 2028 limit, extending his leadership through parliamentary amendment rather than public vote.
