Debagte on push to extend Mnangagwa term intensifies

The debate around Zanu-PF's controversial push to extend President Mnangagwa's term beyond 2028 has intensified this week, with political and legal experts offering varying views. Ibbo Mandaza of the Southern African Political and Economic Series (Sapes) has warned that the situation could lead to another military coup, reminiscent of the 2017 power shift. Mandaza expressed concern that the army, which played a pivotal role in Mnangagwa's rise, is now largely opposed to any term extension, especially due to the vocal war veteran faction challenging the move.

Legal experts, including Tendai Biti, have also cautioned that the required constitutional amendments, including two separate referendums, are unlikely to succeed due to widespread resistance from both the public and Zanu-PF factions. Biti emphasized that there is no united front within the ruling party, with internal divisions already becoming apparent as factions within the party openly oppose the agenda.

Human rights lawyer Musa Kika echoed these concerns, warning that while Zanu-PF could resort to illegal methods to push through their agenda, internal disunity remains a significant obstacle. He pointed out that civil society and the opposition are currently too weak to mount a serious challenge against the party's plans, despite legal challenges seeming relatively minor in the face of Zanu-PF's power structure.

The push for an extension of Mnangagwa's term is framed as part of a broader strategy, referred to as "Agenda 2030," but experts believe that it faces numerous hurdles, from legal barriers to internal party factionalism. While some analysts believe the army may not back the term extension, others, including Mandaza, suggest the country could once again find itself in politically perilous territory.

Do you think the push for term extension will face even more resistance, or could the political dynamics shift to allow this agenda to move forward?