Civic society organizations in Zimbabwe have strongly criticized calls by Zanu PF for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to run for a third term, labeling them as “unfortunate and illegal.” In Zimbabwe, a president’s term is limited to two five-year terms, making this Mnangagwa’s final term.
Despite the constitutional limitations, there has been a growing chorus among Zanu PF supporters for an extension of Mnangagwa’s term, with the slogan “2030 VaMnangagwa vanenge vachipo (Mnangagwa will still be in office in 2030)” gaining popularity at ruling party events.
Mnangagwa has publicly dismissed any ambitions for a third term, stating that he will abide by the Constitution. However, concerns persist that the ruling party may seek to amend the Constitution to allow him to stay in office for another term.
In response to these developments, Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition issued a statement condemning the proposals as detrimental to democracy and a betrayal of the gains made since the adoption of the constitution. The organization emphasized the importance of upholding the constitution as a sacred and binding document, regardless of who is in power.
Furthermore, CiZC criticized the lack of progress in aligning the country’s laws with the constitution since Mnangagwa took office in 2017, accusing the government of failing to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The organization warned against the continued erosion of democratic values and urged for the protection of fundamental rights for all Zimbabweans.