PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa’s statement that peace gives him latitude to “rule forever” has sparked new fears that Zanu PF could be plotting constitutional changes for him to retain power beyond 2028.
Mnangagwa is supposed to step down at the end of his second term in 2028 since he is constitutionally prohibited from participating in the polls to be held in that year. However, there seems to be behind the scene manoeuvres to extend his tenure.
Speaking on Saturday evening at the silver jubilee ordination anniversary of Archbishop Robert Ndlovu, Mnangagwa, who has previously denied attempts to extend his presidency beyond the two- term limit, expressed desire to rule for eternity.
“Now me as President, anybody who preaches peace, love and harmony is my friend because then, the country will be peaceful, the country will be united and I can rule and rule and rule,” Mnangagwa said to applause from the audience.
Mnangagwa faces three hurdles in extending the presidency beyond the constitutional term limit, which are internal power struggles in Zanu PF, the Constitution which prohibits incumbents from benefiting from term extensions and the provisions that a referendum needs to be called in order to tamper with term limits.
Former National Patriotic Front spokesperson Jealousy Mawarire said while Mnangagwa had publicly stated that he is not interested in violating the Constitution, his actions and those of his peers in Zanu PF showed otherwise different.
“There is some effort to violate the Constitution, especially given that we have a captured Judiciary and media, you will hear these statements and with the benefit of what has happened in the past, Zimbabweans must be prepared for the worst,” he said.
Mawarire said it was difficult to think that the current government, which came to power through a coup, would simply pack its bags and leave.
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“There is no peace, democracy and constitutionalism after a military takeover,” he said.
According to experts, legal constraints might hinder Mnangagwa's bid for a third term, as constitutional amendments typically disallow incumbents or those who have previously held the office from benefiting.
Political analyst Rejoice Ngwenya said it would be impossible for Mnangagwa to extend his term as it would require a constitutional reform.
“This is a constitutional issue; it will require a constitutional reform. This is just propaganda; it’s not as easy as it sounds. Deep inside, he knows that it’s not going to be possible — this is just propaganda to win favour and excitement around the issue of his leadership,” Ngwenya said.
Another political analyst Methuseli Moyo, however, said: “Without the President actually specifying that he wants churches to pray for him to rule beyond his current term limit, it cannot be argued or assumed he meant so. In my view, he meant that churches should pray for him to rule till the end of his term. It is normal for leaders to seek spiritual support.”
Mnangagwa has been all over the churches including the Emmanuel Makandiwa-led United Family International Church, Zion Christian Church, Johanne the Fifth of Africa International and major indigenous apostolic sects in an attempt to curry political favour and legitimacy with the religious community.
Midlands Provincial Affairs minister Owen Ncube, a very close confidante of Mnangagwa has also been leading in sloganeering for the presidential term limit extension.
Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-imposed Citizens Coalition of Change interim secretary-general, has revealed that talks are underway to form a government of national unity.
