Just tell them to “Stop It!" Mr President

Monica Cheru

Zim Now Managing Editor

President Emmerson Mnangagwa's repeated assertions- today at a media engagement forum- that he will not extend his tenure beyond the constitutionally mandated term limit are not credible.

His words are at odds with the actions and rhetoric emanating from his party, ZANU-PF. And ZBC TV afternoon news showed the glaring gap as a clip of ED saying he is not staying in power was accompanied by a subtitle saying that constitutional amendments are set to sail through.

This dissonance raises questions about the sincerity of his commitments and the potential impact on his legacy. It is not the media that needs to hear this opinion. It is the movement within the party that needs to be told unequivocally that the 2030 drive is a dead horse.

On multiple occasions, President Mnangagwa has publicly affirmed his intention to respect the constitutional two-term limit.

In August 2024, he stated, "I am a constitutionalist. I want our party, our leadership, our people to be constitutionalists. We must abide by the provisions of our constitution to the letter."

Similarly, in September 2024, he announced plans to step down at the end of his tenure in 2028, despite calls from some party members for an extension.

Despite these declarations, ZANU-PF has been actively pursuing constitutional amendments to prolong Mnangagwa's stay in office. In October 2024, the party passed a resolution to extend his term to 2030.

By January 2025, party officials confirmed efforts to amend the constitution, aiming to extend both presidential and parliamentary terms. Information Minister Jenfan Muswere defended these moves, stating that Parliament is within its rights to enact such amendments, implying that there will be no referendum to give the people a direct voice in the matter.

This juxtaposition of public assurances and party-driven initiatives suggests a strategic ambiguity that undermines public trust. If President Mnangagwa is genuine in his commitment to constitutionalism, he must decisively address these internal contradictions.

Allowing factions within his party to advocate for term extensions in the name of some nebulous democratic rights not only jeopardizes his credibility but also threatens to destabilize the nation's democratic framework.

Zimbabwe's 2013 Constitution was designed to prevent the consolidation of power by limiting presidential terms. Circumventing this safeguard through partisan amendments sets a dangerous precedent, eroding the institutions that are vital for national stability.

The argument that such amendments reflect the will of the people through representation is tenuous at best. A genuine measure of public support would necessitate a national referendum, ensuring that any constitutional changes have a clear and unequivocal mandate from the citizenry.

President Mnangagwa's tenure has seen notable achievements, particularly in re-engaging with the international community and initiating economic reforms. To preserve and build upon this legacy, it is imperative that he focuses on effective governance during his remaining term.

This includes fostering unity within his party, addressing the nation's economic challenges, and upholding the rule of law. By doing so, he can ensure that his leadership is remembered for its contributions to Zimbabwe's progress rather than for undermining its democratic foundations.

The path forward is clear: President Mnangagwa must unequivocally tell the people moving to extend his tenure beyond constitutional limits to cease and desist.

These word games such as the media engagement today are tired and cannot fool anyone.

In the words of your former nemesis Grace Mugabe, President Mnangagwa tell people like Daniel Garwe, Jenfan Muswere, Tatenda Mavetera, Mary Mliswa, Mabel Chinomona, Monica Mavhunga, Goodwills Masimirembwa, Ezra Chadzamira, Lovemore Matuke, John Paradza, Ziyambi Ziyambi, Jenfan Muswere among others to “Stop It!”