Money fuelling Mnangagwa's ED2030 bid?

President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his allies are embroiled in a heated political struggle to secure his controversial bid for a third term, disguising it under the guise of the so-called "2030 project." While Mnangagwa's supporters claim he is seeking to extend his presidency by two years beyond his current constitutional limit to 2030, constitutional experts and political observers see it as part of a far-reaching plan to secure a third term in office.

To achieve this, Mnangagwa would need to hold two referenda to amend the Constitution, a complex and legally complicated process. However, Zanu-PF has reportedly resolved to bypass this procedure by using parliament to delay the 2028 elections, which would effectively allow Mnangagwa to remain in power for at least two more years through what critics describe as a subversion of the constitution. Constitutional experts have warned that such a move would amount to a coup against the Constitution, undermining the democratic framework.

Despite the claims of a two-year extension, the reality is that Mnangagwa's ultimate goal is a third term. To make this plan a reality, the President and his allies have mobilized Members of Parliament (MPs) to amend the Constitution through the legislature. The political push has sparked controversy, particularly as MPs from both Zanu-PF and the opposition CCC are reportedly demanding financial rewards for supporting the plan.

MPs are being promised substantial incentives, including loans of up to US$150,000—significantly more than the US$40,000 they received in the previous parliament. Additionally, MPs are being offered car loans, serviced stands, and even duty-free certificates for importing vehicles. To sweeten the deal, their salaries are set to be raised to match the scale of other critical state services.

The financial incentives extend beyond MPs to other key political players. Just days ago, war veterans, staunch supporters of Mnangagwa, were handed US$1.5 million for various projects as part of the Presidential War Veterans Fund, launched at the Zanu-PF headquarters in Harare. The fund's launch was hailed by the War Veterans League as a testament to Mnangagwa's commitment to “people-centred programmes,” although critics view it as another ploy to garner support for his third-term ambitions.

Mnangagwa's close ally, businessman Wicknell Chivayo, has also been on a donation spree, giving out money and cars to mobilize support for Zanu-PF and Mnangagwa's 2030 bid. His extravagant displays have raised eyebrows, with some accusing him of engaging in blatant bribery and corruption to secure political backing for the President.

These financial incentives and political maneuvers have sparked fierce debate. While Mnangagwa's supporters argue that the moves are part of his broader vision for Zimbabwe's future, critics see them as cynical attempts to buy loyalty and undermine democratic processes. The controversy has intensified the rift between Mnangagwa's faction and that of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who has been an outspoken critic of the third-term bid and has also raised concerns about the widespread corruption and economic failures under Mnangagwa's leadership.

The rivalry between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga is increasingly resembling the bitter power struggle that marked the final days of former President Robert Mugabe's rule, which ended in a military-backed coup in November 2017. As Mnangagwa's quest for a third term continues, political tensions are at a boiling point, and the country's future remains uncertain.

What is clear, however, is that the current political crisis is far more volatile and fraught with danger than the 2017 coup, with the stakes higher than ever. With the President's legitimacy in question, the country's democratic integrity at risk, and widespread economic dissatisfaction, the political landscape in Zimbabwe is on the edge of an explosive confrontation.