Zanu PF seeks constitutional change as global trends emerge

Zanu‑PF is pushing for constitutional amendments that would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term of office by two years, shifting the end of his tenure from 2028 to 2030. Mnangagwa, who came to power in 2017 after the military‑assisted removal of the late Robert Mugabe, previously stated that he would respect the two‑term limit adopted in the 2013 Constitution.

Halfway through his second and final term, a faction within the ruling party is now driving efforts to amend 21 constitutional provisions, including one that would extend Mnangagwa's rule. The proposed amendments were gazetted by Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda on Tuesday.

Political analysts and legal experts have vowed to challenge the move. A group of war veterans, represented by law lecturer Lovemore Madhuku, has already approached the Constitutional Court. Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti and former Senator Jameson Timba have also launched platforms - the Constitutional Defence Forum and Defend the Constitution Platform - to oppose what they describe as attempts to undermine the Constitution.

While resistance is growing, Zimbabwe's situation mirrors a broader global trend in which leaders modify constitutions or exploit legal frameworks to prolong their stay in power. Some countries have faced backlash, while others have embraced extended leadership as a path to stability.

Global patterns of extended rule

Africa has the highest number of leaders who have extended their terms, with mixed outcomes. In Asia, China removed presidential term limits in 2018, allowing President Xi Jinping to remain in power indefinitely — a move supporters argue has enabled long‑term planning and economic stability. Uzbekistan also extended President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's rule to 2037, with proponents citing continuity and reform.

In Africa, Rwanda's Paul Kagame has overseen significant economic and infrastructural development since 2000, with supporters attributing progress to political stability. Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has pursued reforms and signed a peace deal with Eritrea, although his tenure has also faced internal conflict.

In Côte d'Ivoire, President Alassane Ouattara's extended rule has been credited by supporters with maintaining economic growth after years of instability.

Beyond Africa, Russia's Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijan's Ilham Aliyev have used constitutional changes to prolong their leadership, arguing that stability and economic development justify extended terms. In Latin America, Venezuela's Hugo Chávez and El Salvador's Nayib Bukele have pursued long‑term social and security reforms under extended or reinterpreted mandates.

Countries resisting term extensions

Some nations have resisted constitutional changes. Costa Rica has maintained strict term limits, contributing to political stability and strong public trust. Argentina has upheld its constitutional provisions through judicial oversight, reinforcing democratic norms.

In contrast, Bolivia's Constitutional Court allowed Evo Morales to seek a fourth term in 2017, while Nicaragua removed term limits in 2014, enabling President Daniel Ortega to consolidate power - moves that remain controversial.

Zimbabwe's crossroads

Supporters of Mnangagwa's proposed extension argue that continued leadership could provide stability and policy continuity during a challenging economic period. Critics warn that Zimbabwe's history shows the dangers of prolonged rule without strong checks and balances.

As the debate intensifies, Zimbabwe faces a pivotal moment. The proposed amendments place the country within a global conversation about governance, stability and constitutionalism. Whether the changes lead to continuity or controversy will depend on how the nation balances political aspirations with democratic accountability.

The future of Zimbabwe's governance now rests on how Parliament, the courts and the public respond to the unfolding constitutional battle.