News / Local
Zimbabwe's political tensions set to explode
6 hrs ago | Views
Zimbabwe's already volatile political climate is on the brink of further turmoil this week as ruling Zanu-PF Members of Parliament (MPs) prepare to table and push through a controversial motion that seeks to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's rule beyond the 2028 constitutional limit, giving him an additional two years in power.
While President Mnangagwa has repeatedly denied any intention to extend his presidency, claiming that he plans to retire at the end of his second term, insiders within his party have revealed that his supporters are aggressively pursuing the agenda to keep him in power until 2030. The motion, if passed, would require a change to the constitution and has sparked fierce debates within the ruling party and across the country.
The motion is expected to deepen the divisions within Zanu-PF, where rival factions are already engaged in intense power struggles. The prospect of a third term for Mnangagwa has ignited tempers and set party members against each other, with some arguing that the move is an attempt to circumvent the constitutional limits, while others view it as a necessary step to maintain political stability.
However, the proposed extension of Mnangagwa's term is not just a matter of internal party politics. It has also exacerbated public discontent, as widespread economic challenges, corruption, and allegations of cronyism continue to plague the country. Many Zimbabweans are growing increasingly frustrated with the government's failure to address economic decline, rising unemployment, and rampant poverty.
Opposition parties and civil society groups have vehemently condemned the motion, calling it a dangerous attempt to entrench authoritarian rule. They argue that extending Mnangagwa's tenure would further undermine democracy in the country and deepen the political and economic crises. Critics are particularly concerned about the lack of meaningful reforms and the continued dominance of the ruling party in all aspects of Zimbabwean life.
As tempers flare both within Zanu-PF and the wider political landscape, the motion has the potential to spark a political showdown in parliament this week. With both the ruling party and the opposition digging in their heels, the debate promises to be a high-stakes battle, with the future direction of Zimbabwe's leadership hanging in the balance.
As tensions mount and political maneuvering intensifies, Zimbabweans are left to wonder: Will Mnangagwa's term be extended, or will the motion be thwarted by internal divisions and public pressure? Whatever the outcome, it is clear that the political fault lines within Zanu-PF and the broader nation are reaching a breaking point, and the coming days could prove pivotal in shaping the future of Zimbabwe's political landscape.
While President Mnangagwa has repeatedly denied any intention to extend his presidency, claiming that he plans to retire at the end of his second term, insiders within his party have revealed that his supporters are aggressively pursuing the agenda to keep him in power until 2030. The motion, if passed, would require a change to the constitution and has sparked fierce debates within the ruling party and across the country.
The motion is expected to deepen the divisions within Zanu-PF, where rival factions are already engaged in intense power struggles. The prospect of a third term for Mnangagwa has ignited tempers and set party members against each other, with some arguing that the move is an attempt to circumvent the constitutional limits, while others view it as a necessary step to maintain political stability.
Opposition parties and civil society groups have vehemently condemned the motion, calling it a dangerous attempt to entrench authoritarian rule. They argue that extending Mnangagwa's tenure would further undermine democracy in the country and deepen the political and economic crises. Critics are particularly concerned about the lack of meaningful reforms and the continued dominance of the ruling party in all aspects of Zimbabwean life.
As tempers flare both within Zanu-PF and the wider political landscape, the motion has the potential to spark a political showdown in parliament this week. With both the ruling party and the opposition digging in their heels, the debate promises to be a high-stakes battle, with the future direction of Zimbabwe's leadership hanging in the balance.
As tensions mount and political maneuvering intensifies, Zimbabweans are left to wonder: Will Mnangagwa's term be extended, or will the motion be thwarted by internal divisions and public pressure? Whatever the outcome, it is clear that the political fault lines within Zanu-PF and the broader nation are reaching a breaking point, and the coming days could prove pivotal in shaping the future of Zimbabwe's political landscape.
Source - online
