Zanu-PF warns against protests

Zanu-PF has stepped up its campaign to defend the recently enacted constitutional amendments, with senior party leaders urging continued support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa and warning against planned nationwide protests over the new law.

The remarks were made during the ruling party's "Thank You" rallies held across the country as opposition parties, civil society organisations and activists prepare court challenges and demonstrations against the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, 2026.

President Mnangagwa signed the legislation into law earlier this month. Among its provisions, the amendment postpones the next harmonised elections from 2028 to 2030, extends the terms of the President, Parliament and local authorities from five to seven years, applies those extensions to the current office holders, and introduces changes to the presidential electoral process.

The amendments have drawn criticism from opposition groups and constitutional experts, who argue they fundamentally alter Zimbabwe's constitutional framework. Several legal challenges have since been filed before the Constitutional Court.

Speaking at a rally in Mutare, Zanu-PF national spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa defended the amendments, saying they were intended to preserve stability within the ruling party.

"The CAB 3 Bill was signed to silence those who were saying there was no democracy in the country," he said.

Using a relay race analogy, Mutsvangwa said succession could create instability if not carefully managed.

"There is danger when passing the baton, because one wants to stop while the other wants to run. Our President realised this... So I am saying, please leave President Emmerson Mnangagwa in his position."

Addressing supporters in Epworth, businessman and Zanu-PF Central Committee member Kudakwashe Tagwirei said the party wanted Mnangagwa to continue leading because of what he described as his achievements.

"We believe in one centre of power, and that power rests with President Mnangagwa," Tagwirei said.

"As a party, we want to continue, continue, and continue his excellent work forever."

Senior party officials also used the rallies to discourage participation in planned demonstrations scheduled for July 31.

In Chakari, Zanu-PF Secretary for Legal Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi urged supporters to maintain peace and resolve constitutional disputes through lawful means.

"I urge you to continue upholding law and order and to shun violence from groups that seek to cause disorder," he said.

Speaking at Mbizo Stadium in Kwekwe, Zanu-PF Secretary for Transport and Social Welfare July Moyo issued a warning against violent demonstrations.

"This idea of going into the streets to protest — those are evil spirits. We do not want those spirits... those who go into the streets for violent purposes are being warned by the government not to do so," he said.

Attendance at the rallies varied across the country, with relatively small crowds reported at gatherings in Gwanda and Bulawayo.

Despite the turnout, Zanu-PF National Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha praised supporters in Bulawayo.

"Today's rally is not merely a function, but a testimony to our unity, discipline, participation and, most importantly, our commitment to the future of Zimbabwe," he said.

Political analyst Gideon Chitanga, a visiting researcher at Germany's Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, questioned both the constitutional amendment process and the purpose of the rallies.

He described the amendments as "an elite-driven process that was imposed and coercively driven through a combination of intimidation, political manoeuvring and the use of money," adding that he considered the process "inherently illegitimate and unlawful."

Chitanga argued that the rallies were intended to discourage public participation in planned demonstrations.

"The message is that the Mnangagwa government is prepared to use force to ensure people do not protest and are compelled to accept the new law," he said.

He added that Zimbabwe's succession debate remained unresolved despite the constitutional changes.

"The people will not be stopped, because the fundamental questions facing Zimbabwe still need to be resolved," Chitanga said.

Additional "Thank You" rallies were also held in Shamva, Mashonaland Central, and Zaka in Masvingo Province as Zanu-PF continues its nationwide campaign in support of the constitutional amendments.