Zanu-PF cracks down on dissent amid term extension row

THE ruling ZANU-PF party has warned members against airing internal disputes on social media as tensions continue to grow over a controversial proposal to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term in office.

The party is facing mounting factional pressure linked to succession politics and the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill (CAB 3), which is expected to come before Parliament this week.

The proposed constitutional amendments — which include extending electoral terms and changing the method of electing the President — have deepened divisions within the ruling party, with rival factions reportedly emerging over Mnangagwa's political future beyond 2028.

Some party members are pushing for constitutional changes that would allow Mnangagwa's presidency to continue until 2030, arguing that the extension would enable the government to fully implement its Vision 2030 economic agenda.

However, the proposal has reportedly intensified succession battles within Zanu-PF, with another faction believed to favour Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga as Mnangagwa's successor.

Despite reports of internal divisions, official party messaging has continued to project unity and alignment around national development priorities.

Addressing a Zanu-PF Youth League inter-district provincial meeting in Mutare on Thursday, youth affairs deputy secretary John Paradza warned party members against attacking one another or senior officials on social media platforms.

"Divisions are there in Zanu-PF and it is allowed for you to raise your concerns, but through proper channels. We have proper structures and it is an offence to go on social media to attack each other, to attack a district coordinating committee member, central committee member or even your fellow party member," he said.

"Zanu-PF has structures and this is why our organisation starts from the cells. Our party is going to be there forever, so let us continue to defend our party and support it."

CAB 3 proposes sweeping changes to Zimbabwe's governance framework, including extending the term lengths for the President, Parliament and local authorities from five years to seven years.

The Bill also seeks to replace direct presidential elections with a parliamentary system in which Members of Parliament elect the President.

Additional proposals include establishing a separate Zimbabwe Electoral Delimitation Commission and revising procedures for appointing judges and the Attorney-General.

Supporters of the Bill argue the reforms are necessary to align governance structures with the country's Vision 2030 development strategy, minimise election-related disruptions and reduce the costs associated with frequent elections.

However, critics and civil society groups have warned that the proposed amendments could weaken democratic accountability, undermine the principle of direct universal suffrage and potentially extend Mnangagwa's stay in office beyond existing constitutional limits.

Paradza urged party youths to remain united, describing them as the ruling party's "last line of defence."

"We need youths who are united. We are the last line of defence of Zanu-PF and the vanguard of the party," he said.

"There is also the issue of the Constitutional Amendment No 3 Bill and we are supporting it as youths."

Meanwhile, Stanley Sakupwanya raised concerns over delays in land allocation to youths in Odzi.

"I want to raise concerns about land distribution to youths. There is land in Odzi that was allocated to us a long time ago, yet we are still waiting to benefit from it. We might die without ever benefiting from that land," he said.