Zimbabwe's governing party faces mounting opposition after endorsing constitutional changes to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's rule until 2030. The 83-year-old leader currently serves under a two-term limit established in 2013, with his final term set to expire in 2028. Zanu-PF announced the term extension plan on October 18, prompting lawyer Tendai Biti to promise constitutional defense while opposition groups prepared responses to what they called a crisis.
Any constitutional amendment requires approval from two-thirds of both parliamentary chambers and a national referendum. Political observers believe voters would reject the proposal if given the chance. Professor Stephen Chan from the School of Oriental and African Studies suggested internal party divisions might block the changes, with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga potentially joining opposition forces against the amendment.
Analysts warn Zanu-PF may circumvent legal protections despite constitutional requirements. The party has governed since 1980 and treats laws as instruments rather than constraints, said Musa Kika from the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa. Police suppressed previous demonstrations against the extension plan, jailing dozens of protesters.
Citizens expressed anger over the proposed changes, comparing them to Robert Mugabe's extended presidency that ended with a 2017 military coup.
Any constitutional amendment requires approval from two-thirds of both parliamentary chambers and a national referendum. Political observers believe voters would reject the proposal if given the chance. Professor Stephen Chan from the School of Oriental and African Studies suggested internal party divisions might block the changes, with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga potentially joining opposition forces against the amendment.
Analysts warn Zanu-PF may circumvent legal protections despite constitutional requirements. The party has governed since 1980 and treats laws as instruments rather than constraints, said Musa Kika from the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa. Police suppressed previous demonstrations against the extension plan, jailing dozens of protesters.
Citizens expressed anger over the proposed changes, comparing them to Robert Mugabe's extended presidency that ended with a 2017 military coup.
