Zimbabwe's governing party moves to extend Mnangagwa presidency to 2030

"Zimbabwe's governing ZANU-PF has said it will begin a process to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term by two years, potentially keeping him in power until 2030. The plan was endorsed on Saturday at the movement's annual conference in the eastern city of Mutare, where delegates instructed the government to begin drafting legislation to amend the Constitution, Justice Minister and ZANU-PF legal secretary Ziyambi Ziyambi said."

"Delegates erupted in applause after the motion passed, reinforcing ZANU-PF's pattern of securitised rule since independence in 1980. The party controls parliament, giving it significant leverage, though some insiders warn that a legal challenge would be likely. Mnangagwa has previously insisted he is a constitutionalist with no interest in clinging to power. But loyalists have quietly pushed for a prolonged stay since last year's disputed election, while rivals inside the party aligned with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga are openly resisting an extension."

ZANU-PF instructed the government to draft legislation to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term by two years, potentially extending his stay until 2030. Any change would require a constitutional amendment and possibly referendums, according to legal experts. Mnangagwa is constitutionally due to leave office in 2028 after two elected terms. The motion drew applause at the Mutare conference and underscores the party's control of parliament and leverage over legal changes. Internal party divisions have emerged, with allies of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga resisting the bid and activists using livestreams to condemn the extension. Mass protests have been limited amid heavy police deployments.

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