MNANGAGWA PUSHES TO STAY IN POWER BEYOND TERM LIMIT

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s plan to stay in power beyond his constitutional term limit is moving forward. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has started the legal process to make this happen. This would extend Mnangagwa’s rule from 2028 to 2030 or even longer.

When Mnangagwa first became President in 2017, he said he believed in the constitution. Now, despite saying he does not want to cling to power, his actions show otherwise. Last October, the ruling party Zanu PF held a conference in Bulawayo. The conference decided Mnangagwa could extend his term if he wanted. However, the resolution admitted that changing the constitution would be very difficult and might not succeed.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Ziyambi explained how the process works. He said Zanu PF resolutions come from discussions at all levels of the party, starting with local districts and ending at the national conference. These resolutions represent the will of the people, according to Ziyambi.

Once resolutions are adopted, government ministries take responsibility for implementing them. Ziyambi explained that the Secretary-General of Zanu PF writes to each ministry about the resolutions. If legal changes are needed, the ministry begins the process to draft new laws.

For Mnangagwa to extend his term, the constitution must be amended. Ziyambi said this would involve creating new laws, consulting the public, and holding two referenda. He explained that the process begins with drafting principles, which must be approved by the Cabinet. After this, the Attorney-General’s office drafts a Bill. The draft is reviewed by the Cabinet Committee on Legislation, approved by Cabinet, and then sent to Parliament.

Once the Bill is in Parliament, it is published for public discussion. If it passes Parliament, the government must organize a referendum for the people to vote on the constitutional change. The process is long and requires many steps.

Ziyambi emphasized that this process is guided by the wishes of the grassroots. He said the issues brought up at local levels are what shape Zanu PF’s resolutions. These resolutions then direct government actions and policies.

He added that the government will ensure the necessary amendments are made to reflect the will of the people. However, critics argue that the process is not truly democratic and is designed to keep Mnangagwa in power.

Mnangagwa’s desire to stay in office beyond 2028 has sparked debate in Zimbabwe. Many believe this move undermines democracy and the constitution. Others feel that the process shows how power remains concentrated in the ruling party.

While the government insists the constitutional change reflects the people’s will, opposition parties and civil society groups are skeptical. They argue that the grassroots level of Zanu PF does not represent the entire nation.

This effort to extend Mnangagwa’s term raises concerns about Zimbabwe’s future. Many citizens worry about the long-term effects of weakening the constitution. Others question whether the government will truly listen to the people during the consultations.

The process of amending the constitution will test Zimbabwe’s political system. Whether or not Mnangagwa succeeds, this issue has highlighted the challenges facing democracy in the country.