Zimbabwe’s cabinet has recently greenlit a proposal that could allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to prolong his presidency until at least 2030. This development raises significant concerns about the future of democracy in the nation, as the new legislation suggests a shift in how presidents are elected and a potential extension of term limits.
Proposed Changes to Electoral Structure
The draft legislation proposes a fundamental change in the electoral framework, suggesting that the selection of presidents be determined by Members of Parliament rather than through direct public voting. Under the new guidelines, presidents could serve up to two seven-year terms instead of the current five-year limit. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has stated that public consultations will occur prior to the bill’s presentation to parliament, where the ruling Zanu-PF party holds considerable influence over both chambers.
However, constitutional experts have voiced concerns regarding the legality of such amendments. They argue that a referendum would be necessary to alter term limits and emphasise that changes cannot retroactively benefit a sitting president. This presents a potential legal quagmire as the government pushes forward with its agenda.
Mnangagwa’s Political Journey
Emmerson Mnangagwa, aged 83, initially ascended to power in 2017 following a military coup that ousted long-standing leader Robert Mugabe. He subsequently won a presidential election in 2018 and secured a second term in 2023, although the legitimacy of those results has been the subject of dispute. Mnangagwa, often referred to as “the crocodile” for his political shrewdness, is currently in the final year of his five-year term, which concludes in 2028.
Speculation about Mnangagwa’s desire to extend his time in office began to surface two years ago, with supporters rallying behind the slogan “2030 he will still be the leader.” Although the president has publicly denied any intention to remain in power beyond 2028, the growing chorus of support within his party suggests otherwise.
Internal Party Tensions and Recent Losses
Mnangagwa’s tenure has not been without internal strife. His most vocal critic, Blessed Geza—known as “Bombshell”—passed away last week, a significant loss for the faction within Zanu-PF that opposed Mnangagwa’s extended ambitions. Geza had been a prominent figure in Zimbabwe’s independence struggle and was critical of the president’s governance, accusing him of nepotism and betrayal. He had been expelled from Zanu-PF for his dissent and had continued to rally support on social media, calling for protests against Mnangagwa’s regime.
In a poignant reflection on Geza’s legacy, Andrease Ethan Mathibela, chairman of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, highlighted Geza’s courage in speaking out against corruption and nepotism, which he argued undermine the hard-won independence of Zimbabwe.
Government’s Justification for Legislative Changes
Despite the controversies surrounding the proposed changes, the government maintains that the intent behind the draft law is to enhance governance and foster political stability in Zimbabwe. The push for the “Agenda 2030” development programme is being positioned as essential for the country’s future, suggesting that continuity in leadership is necessary for successful implementation.
Why it Matters
The current political manoeuvrings in Zimbabwe are emblematic of broader challenges facing democracies in the region. As leaders seek to consolidate power, the potential erosion of electoral integrity and public trust poses significant risks not only for Zimbabweans but for the stability of governance across the Asia-Pacific region. The outcome of these proposed changes may set a precedent that could influence future democratic processes, both in Zimbabwe and beyond, revealing the delicate balance between governance and the will of the people.
