According to Zimbabwean Journalist and Activist Jealousy Mawarire, cabinet discussions have taken place on the possibility of amending the constitution to either delay the next general elections or create a legal path for a third presidential term, a move critics say would undermine the country's democratic framework.

Zimbabwe’s constitution, adopted in 2013, clearly limits the presidency to two five-year terms. However, speculation is growing that the ruling ZANU-PF party may attempt to alter this provision under the guise of national development plans aimed at achieving “Vision 2030”, a government strategy to elevate Zimbabwe to middle-income status within the next five years.

Mawarire says that the alleged proposal is part of a broader effort to consolidate power. “This is not about pushing elections to 2030 for development reasons, it’s a backdoor route to a third term,” he said. Mawarire also accused Mnangagwa of enabling these discussions behind the scenes, hosting meetings with supporters at his farm and incentivising them to promote the plan.

Though Mnangagwa has repeatedly stated that he respects the constitution and intends to serve only two terms, Mawarire dismissed those claims as disingenuous, citing past violations of constitutional provisions and the suppression of civil liberties.

He also raised doubts about the judiciary’s independence, pointing to instances where top judges received term extensions from the president himself. “Expecting the courts to stop this would be naive,” he said.

The succession question appears central to the unfolding drama. Mawarire alleged that the term extension aims to block Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s path to the Presidency and clear the way for an ally more loyal to Mnangagwa’s inner circle.

If pursued, the proposed constitutional amendments are likely to face resistance from within the ruling party, the opposition, and civil society. Observers warn that tampering with term limits could spark political instability and set a troubling precedent for governance in the region.

--ChannelAfrica--