Zimbabwe opposition says 'no' to constitutional amendment

Zimbabwe's main opposition has strongly condemned Zanu-PF's recent resolution to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure by two years to 2030, calling the move unconstitutional and a party-driven agenda that does not bind the nation.

The directive emerged from the just-ended 22nd Zanu-PF Annual People's Conference in Mutare, where delegates resolved that the party and government should implement all legal, constitutional, and administrative measures necessary to operationalise the extension ahead of the next conference. Mnangagwa's current term is set to end in 2028, and the President has publicly affirmed he will step down at that time in accordance with the law.

Zanu-PF information secretary Nick Mangwana stated on X that the Justice Ministry had been instructed to commence legal processes to effect the two-year term extension, with a target of completing the process by October next year.

Opposition figures quickly responded, rejecting the resolution. Former Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa said the party's resolutions apply only to Zanu-PF members and not to the people of Zimbabwe. CCC interim leader Jameson Timba emphasised that any constitutional amendment would require a referendum and noted that the sitting President cannot benefit from such a change. "Zimbabwe is ruled by law, not party resolutions," Timba stated.

Prominent opposition figure Tendai Biti also weighed in, pledging to fight against what he described as attempts by corrupt cartels to manipulate the Constitution for an unconstitutional and anti-people agenda. "We will defend the Constitution against its capture and manipulation… and fight corrupt syndicates that have systematically looted Zimbabwe," Biti said.

At the conference, Zanu-PF delegates lauded Mnangagwa's leadership, citing stability, economic recovery, and transformative national development as reasons his guidance should continue beyond the current constitutional term limit.

The resolution has heightened tensions between the ruling party and opposition, setting the stage for intensified political debate over Zimbabwe's constitutional and democratic processes.