News / National
Mnangagwa says Presidential term extension wasn't his idea
2 hrs ago |
195 Views
President Emmerson Mnangagwa says the constitutional amendments that extend Zimbabwe's electoral cycle and introduce a new method of electing future presidents were not his personal initiative but the outcome of what he described as a "collective evolution" of the country's political system.
His remarks come days after the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Act No. 3 of 2026 was gazetted into law.
The new legislation extends the electoral cycle from five years to seven years, postponing the next general elections from 2028 to 2030. It also replaces direct presidential elections with a parliamentary system for the election of future presidents and expands the Senate from 80 to 90 members, including 10 members appointed by the President.
Speaking during an interview with senior State media journalists at State House in Harare on Friday, Mnangagwa rejected suggestions that the constitutional changes were driven by his personal interests or those of a faction within Zanu PF.
"At the end of the day, it wasn't an idea of an individual. It's the collective evolution of our political system," Mnangagwa said.
"You cannot attribute this to a particular individual or group of persons, but a collective evolution of the political process.
"As things evolve, you decide what is good for your country at a particular time. And there is no time when individual views — individualistic views — take the centre stage and leave a country."
The President said he believes major national decisions should be made collectively rather than by individuals.
"Generally, I believe that whatever we do, it must be a collective decision. I carry my Cabinet and the country on whatever decision we make.
"I don't believe in individual persuasion or individual systems where the needs or the wishes of an individual take the day.
"No. I believe that whatever we do, it must be a collective decision so that whenever that decision is being challenged, it's not only you who stands up to defend, but the entire system of Government defends what we decide."
Constitutional Amendment No. 3 has attracted significant public debate since it was signed into law, with critics arguing that some of its provisions required approval through a national referendum. Several organisations and legal practitioners have indicated that they are preparing constitutional challenges against the legislation.
The government, however, maintains that the amendments are intended to strengthen governance and improve the functioning of state institutions.
During the interview, Mnangagwa also expressed satisfaction with the country's development trajectory and praised Zimbabweans for their commitment to national progress.
"To be honest, I feel that I am privileged as President of this country, because wherever I go, you find that our people, at every level, are committed to developing the country," he said.
"What else would you want as a leader? I feel very proud. I can sleep comfortably with the type of country I lead."
The President said the commitment demonstrated by citizens across different sectors gave him confidence in Zimbabwe's future development.
His remarks come days after the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Act No. 3 of 2026 was gazetted into law.
The new legislation extends the electoral cycle from five years to seven years, postponing the next general elections from 2028 to 2030. It also replaces direct presidential elections with a parliamentary system for the election of future presidents and expands the Senate from 80 to 90 members, including 10 members appointed by the President.
Speaking during an interview with senior State media journalists at State House in Harare on Friday, Mnangagwa rejected suggestions that the constitutional changes were driven by his personal interests or those of a faction within Zanu PF.
"At the end of the day, it wasn't an idea of an individual. It's the collective evolution of our political system," Mnangagwa said.
"You cannot attribute this to a particular individual or group of persons, but a collective evolution of the political process.
"As things evolve, you decide what is good for your country at a particular time. And there is no time when individual views — individualistic views — take the centre stage and leave a country."
The President said he believes major national decisions should be made collectively rather than by individuals.
"Generally, I believe that whatever we do, it must be a collective decision. I carry my Cabinet and the country on whatever decision we make.
"I don't believe in individual persuasion or individual systems where the needs or the wishes of an individual take the day.
"No. I believe that whatever we do, it must be a collective decision so that whenever that decision is being challenged, it's not only you who stands up to defend, but the entire system of Government defends what we decide."
Constitutional Amendment No. 3 has attracted significant public debate since it was signed into law, with critics arguing that some of its provisions required approval through a national referendum. Several organisations and legal practitioners have indicated that they are preparing constitutional challenges against the legislation.
The government, however, maintains that the amendments are intended to strengthen governance and improve the functioning of state institutions.
During the interview, Mnangagwa also expressed satisfaction with the country's development trajectory and praised Zimbabweans for their commitment to national progress.
"To be honest, I feel that I am privileged as President of this country, because wherever I go, you find that our people, at every level, are committed to developing the country," he said.
"What else would you want as a leader? I feel very proud. I can sleep comfortably with the type of country I lead."
The President said the commitment demonstrated by citizens across different sectors gave him confidence in Zimbabwe's future development.
Source - Sunday Mail
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
