Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu-PF, has expressed its desire to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term in office by an additional two years, potentially prolonging his presidency until 2030.
Party spokesman Farai Marapira confirmed the intentions during a conversation with Reuters earlier this week, although he refrained from providing specific details regarding the mechanisms by which this extension could be achieved.
Understanding the Constitutional Parameters
Under Zimbabwe’s current constitution, the presidency is restricted to two five-year terms. Mnangagwa is nearing the end of his second term, which is set to expire in 2028.
While Marapira indicated that this extension is a “party position” with consensus among Zanu-PF leaders, the exact “modalities” for implementing such a proposal remain undetermined.
This leaves open the possibility that constitutional amendments could be necessary to facilitate staying in power beyond the established limits.
A Historical Context of Power Dynamics
Zimbabwe’s political landscape is deeply rooted in a history of power consolidation and a lack of democratic transition. The late Robert Mugabe’s lengthy reign from 1980 until his ousting in 2017 set a precedent for autocratic governance.
Mugabe’s regime was characterized by his blatant disregard for constitutional limits, using violence and intimidation to suppress opposition and maintain control, further establishing a dangerous norm around presidential tenure.
In 2013, Mugabe signed a constitution aimed at curbing executive power by instituting term limits. However, with the political upheaval that followed his removal and the subsequent rise of Mnangagwa, the interpretation of these limits is now being called into question yet again.
Legal Expert Perspectives on Potential Amendments
There are considerable legal hurdles to extending presidential terms. Constitutional lawyer Welshman Ncube pointed out that any amendment to the constitution cannot retroactively apply to the current president.
This suggests that Mnangagwa would need to undergo two separate referendums: one to abolish term limits and another to eliminate regulations preventing an incumbent from benefiting from changes made to the constitution.
Lovemore Madhuku, another constitutional expert, asserted that it is “not possible” for Mnangagwa to remain in power legally beyond 2028. He stressed that constitutional law stipulates that no one can extend the presidential term unilaterally.
Regional Trends and Implications
Notably, since 1990, numerous African nations have attempted to prolong presidential terms through various means, typically by removing constitutional two-term limits.
A 2023 research paper highlights that out of 24 instances, the majority were successful in reassessing their presidential succession laws, underscoring a pattern where power often prevails over constitutional integrity.
Conclusion: The Path Ahead
As Zimbabwe navigates through this delicate issue of term limits, the ramifications of such a decision could resonate deeply within the country’s political fabric.
While the ruling party’s desire to extend presidential tenure is evident, the legal constraints and public response to such ambitions remain pivotal in determining the course of Zimbabwe’s governance and democratic principles in the coming years.
The political landscape is poised for a tumultuous debate as the nation confronts the key issues surrounding power, governance, and the rule of law.