The proposal to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s current term may be presented to parliament within days, and notably, it has already received support from the opposition.
On Tuesday, a senior member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), led by opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, indicated that the party would not obstruct the government’s initiative when it is formally introduced.
If approved through a possible referendum, this change could postpone elections until 2030, while President Mnangagwa’s existing term is set to conclude in 2028.
There is considerable speculation regarding the motivations behind the opposition lawmakers’ decision to support this initiative. Delaying elections would also provide parliament members with an additional two years in office.
Some analysts have suggested that the lawmakers may have received bribes to endorse this proposal. According to Zimbabwe’s constitution, the presidency is limited to two five-year terms, and Mnangagwa is currently in his second and final term.
However, the notion of abolishing term limits was discussed at a Zanu-PF conference last October.
Certain CCC members have distanced themselves from this proposal, labeling their supportive colleagues as ‘sellouts’.
