Mnangagwa not angling for third term: Zanu PF

**Zanu PF Secretary for Information and Publicity, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa**

Zim Now Writer

Zanu PF has dismissed rumours that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is angling for a third term as Head of State.

This comes as speculation has been rife that Zanu PF orchestrated recalls of elected Citizens Coalition for Change National Assembly members in order to secure a two-thirds majority in Parliament that could give them room to amend the Constitution.

Zanu PF Secretary for Information and Publicity, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa, urged Zimbabweans, in an address to the media on Monday, to disregard the speculation about Mnangagwa’s intentions beyond 2028.

“There is a conspiracy suggesting President Emmerson Mnangagwa wishes to secure a third term as head of state. This is mere speculation and should be dismissed. We did not initiate the by-elections, so those suggesting Zanu PF seeks a two-thirds majority for governing purposes are not being truthful. We do not seek to amend the Constitution for a third term for our President,” Mutsvangwa clarified.

The Constitution of Zimbabwe limits the tenure of a President to two five-year terms, thus making this Mnangagwa’s final term in office. Mutsvangwa, addressing journalists in Harare on Monday,.

Mutsvangwa criticised the CCC, arguing that the country would be better off without it and attributing the frequent elections and disruptions to internal issues within CCC.

He also said as Zanu PF, they always stressed the importance of an organised opposition for smooth parliamentary proceedings.

“We desire an organised and structured country, which also means that the opposition should be organized and structured for effective parliamentary oversight. Zanu PF wishes for an orderly process, not the chaotic state within CCC, which leads to frequent elections. Internal conflicts within CCC do not benefit our party; instead, they divert attention from governance and Zimbabwe's prosperity,” Mutsvangwa remarked.

On the other hand, political analysts have suggested that the upcoming by-elections may alter the representation of affected constituencies.

By-elections in nine constituencies will be held on Saturday as a result of the recalls initiated by Tshabangu while another round is set for February 3 next year.