Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa Urges Party Supporters to Respect Constitution Amid Calls for Third Term
In a significant address, Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged his Zanu PF party supporters to respect the country’s Constitution, amid growing calls for him to disregard it and seek an illegal third term in 2028. Mnangagwa, who is currently serving his second and final presidential term, made the remarks at the party’s 379th ordinary session of the Politburo in Bulawayo.
The Zimbabwean Constitution, specifically Section 91, bars Mnangagwa from seeking a third term, while any amendment cannot benefit him as the incumbent, according to Section 328 (7). Despite this, some party supporters have been encouraging Mnangagwa to stay on, with calls from Masvingo to have him at the helm of State and government until 2030.
However, these calls have been met with resistance within the ruling party, with sources indicating that if Mnangagwa decides to pursue an illegal third term, his safety might not be guaranteed. “We might not get to 2030 if Mnangagwa or his supporters continue pushing for his illegal third term,” a source from within the party warned. “We might witness another military-led coup as those within the army have already chosen a side, and that side is Chiwenga’s.”
The mention of a potential coup is particularly significant, given Zimbabwe’s history. In 2017, a military-led coup toppled late President Robert Mugabe, and the country is still recovering from the aftermath. The prospect of another coup is a daunting one, and it’s clear that the situation is being closely watched by all parties involved.
Mnangagwa’s deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, is widely seen as the obvious successor should the President choose to respect the Constitution. Chiwenga has the support of ZPRA war veterans and a cross-section of women and youth associations within the party, who have declared their backing for his ascendancy.
In a statement, the General Chiwenga Voluntary Supporters Association emphasized that Chiwenga is the leader the people of Zimbabwe are rallying behind. “We will not sit idly as rogue elements like John Paradza (Zanu PF deputy director for youth) attempt to tarnish his name and derail the course of justice and progress,” the association said. “Paradza and his Dadaya faction represent a minority desperate to cling to power through undemocratic means.”
As the situation in Zimbabwe continues to unfold, it’s clear that the country is at a crossroads. Will President Mnangagwa respect the Constitution and step down, or will he attempt to seek an illegal third term? The answer to this question will have far-reaching consequences for the country and its people.
