Youth leader calls for Mnangagwa to remain in Powe...

Youth leader calls for Mnangagwa to remain in Power, citing developmental gains

Zim Now Writer

Tonderai Chidawa, the Chairman of the Zimbabwe Youth Action Platform and former President of the Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union (ZICOSU), has publicly urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his time in office beyond his current term, arguing that the President's developmental work merits a longer tenure.

In an exclusive interview, Chidawa stated, "President Mnangagwa has been doing great work which warrants him to stay a bit long in power. We have seen tangible progress under his leadership, and it would be a disservice to the nation to halt this momentum."

The call for an extension is based on the premise that the President's "great work" has laid a foundation for national development that requires continuity to fully mature. Chidawa specifically highlighted what he called "the numerous infrastructure projects and economic reforms" as evidence of the President's success. "The Second Republic has brought about a new era of stability and growth. We cannot afford to disrupt this positive trajectory with a change in command," he added.

The declaration from the Zimbabwe Youth Action Platform Chairman comes amid a wider national discourse regarding presidential term limits. Zimbabwe's Constitution currently stipulates a two-term limit for the presidency. President Mnangagwa, who took office in 2017 and was re-elected in 2023, is constitutionally set to serve until 2028.

While President Mnangagwa has previously stated he would respect the constitution, various factions within the ruling ZANU-PF party have been pushing for a constitutional amendment to allow him to serve a third term, often referencing a "2030 agenda." This has sparked debate among political analysts and the public, with some supporting the move for the sake of stability and others expressing concern