As the clock ticks toward the end of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s second and final term in 2028, some members of the ruling party are pushing to amend the Constitution to extend his time in office by two more years.
Let’s call this move what it is: a blatant power grab that threatens to undermine our democracy, our Constitution, and the hard-fought rights of the people of Zimbabwe.
Our 2013 Constitution—the result of years of sacrifice, debate, and input from millions of Zimbabweans—has a straightforward provision about term limits.
Section 91(2) states:
"A person is disqualified for election as President if he or she has already held office as President for two terms, whether continuous or not."
This clause was designed to prevent the kind of long-term rule that has crippled progress in many African nations. It is a safeguard meant to ensure leadership renewal and protect us from the dangers of unchecked power.
The current push to extend President Mnangagwa’s term is a direct attack on this safeguard.
Amending the Constitution to suit a sitting president’s ambitions is not just a technical change—it’s a full-blown assault on the rule of law. Here’s why it matters:
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The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. If leaders can change it whenever it’s inconvenient for them, it ceases to be a shield for the people and becomes a toy for the powerful.
If term limits can be extended today, what stops the same leaders from scrapping them entirely tomorrow?
Democracy thrives on principles like accountability and leadership turnover. Extending a president’s term undermines these principles. It reduces elections to mere formalities and gives one person or party too much control over our future.
Zimbabwe’s own history—and that of other African nations—is littered with examples of leaders who overstayed their welcome. The result? Economic collapse, social unrest, and weakened institutions.
In 2013, Zimbabweans overwhelmingly voted for this Constitution, believing it would protect their rights and limit abuse of power. Tampering with it for personal gain would be a betrayal of that trust.
We’ve seen what happens in other countries when leaders tamper with term limits. Uganda, Rwanda, and Cameroon are just a few examples. Each began with small changes to the law, and each now has presidents clinging to power for decades.
Zimbabwe cannot afford to go down this path. Our economy is already fragile, with millions of people struggling to make ends meet. Political instability brought about by tampering with the Constitution will only make things worse.
The push to extend President Mnangagwa’s term is not just about one man or one party. It’s about the soul of our nation. Are we a country that respects the rule of law, or are we a country where those in power rewrite the rules to suit themselves?
The late Dr. Alex Magaisa once said, “The Constitution is the people’s protection against the power of the state.” That protection is under attack, and Zimbabweans must rise to defend it.
We have a choice to make. We can remain silent, allowing those in power to strip away our democratic rights piece by piece. Or we can stand up and say, "No more!"
Our message must be clear: Hands off our Constitution.
Let’s not allow greed and ambition to rob Zimbabwe of the democratic future we deserve. The world is watching, but more importantly, our children are watching. Let’s fight for a Zimbabwe that respects its laws, its people, and its future.
The Constitution must stand. Democracy must prevail.
- This article was first published in the We The People Newsletter, a publication of the Zimbabwe Constitutional Movement. The newsletter can be accessed on www.zimrights.org.zw
