Zanu-PF moves to change presidential term limits
Publish date: 26 August 2024
Issue Number: 1091
Diary: IBA Legalbrief Africa
Category: Zimbabwe
Zanu-PF structures are agitating for constitutional amendments to allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his incumbency beyond 2028 when his second and final term expires. New Zimbabwe reports that tweaking the Constitution is expected to be done at the upcoming 21st Annual People’s Conference scheduled for Bulawayo, putting paid to the incumbent’s assertions that he will retire in 2028. The amendments will also deal a heavy blow to two other Zanu-PF factions, led by Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga and party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa, who are reportedly eyeing to succeed the 81-year-old Zanu-PF leader. Recommendations from the People’s Conference will then be adopted and taken to Parliament, where the party commands two thirds majority, for the necessary processes that will lead to the removal of the two five-year term cap. The Harare province on Sunday resolved to have constitutional amendments to remove the two-term limit for the presidency or increase the length of each term. It argues that these changes will enable Mnangagwa to finish his infrastructural development projects.