UK-based Zimbabwean lawyer and political commentator Brighton Mutebuka has reported sources as saying the ZANU PF politburo has approved a proposal by some party members to amend Zimbabwe’s Constitution to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term. Below is Mutebuka’s post on X:
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<h2>*Exclusive* The ZANU PF Politburo Reportedly Okays Constitutional Amendment To Extend ED’s Term!</h2>
Highly placed sources from ZANU PF‘s politburo stated that the party gave the greenlight for Zimbabwe’s Constitution to be amended to extend ED‘s presidential term. The meeting was described as having been highly charged or tense.
It was apparently the first time that the subject had been broached before the Soviet style Politburo. Before this, the matter was reportedly sketched out via choreographed pro-ED public rallies to railroad the party structures into adopting the resolution before a party head feigning disinterest &amp; ignorance of the subject.
During the heated meeting, some reportedly argued that the amendment was unConstitutional. ED was reported to have pretended to be typically uninterested before suddenly &amp; decisively intervening to emphasise the fact that there was a binding resolution – at the most opportune time, to bat away the claim of unconstitutionality.
Chiwenga was reported to have remained totally silent during the proceedings, a development which apparently baffled many – including some on his side.
Oppah Muchinguri reportedly took the task of ED‘s fierce chief enforcer. She reportedly complained that some, (apparently referring to Chiwenga indirectly), barely said anything during party meetings but were quick to stir trouble out of it via opposing binding party resolutions!
The above then paved the way for Geza &amp; other ZANU PF party leaders to be expelled on the premises explained by Patrick Chinamasa in the video below. In typical ZANU PF fashion, the whole show appeared to have been scripted to flush out Chiwenga‘s backers, prod Chiwenga into the open to expose him, and then expel his vocal backers in the party.
As things stand, relying on the binding 2030 resolution, it is now theoretically / technically possible for Chiwenga to be expelled for “disloyalty” if he repeatedly and demonstrably fails to publicly back the resolution.
This strategy forms part of the “warning” ED gave during his address against those who failed to respect the party &amp; its strictures. Whether or not ED will go for the “jugular” in that fashion remains to be seen, as such a monumental chessboard move is fraught with a great many risks which he will need to put contingent measures for before executing it.
A few weeks ago, many, including yours truly – wrongly speculated that perhaps the military had self-deployed tanks in Harare and other areas in scenes akin to November 2017.
Several highly placed sources suggested that it was actually ED himself who did this as a pre-emptive gesture to Chiwenga – to show that he could still command the military – perhaps via Sibanda.
If the sources are correct, it means that ED is progressively filibustering the whole body politic and strangling Chiwenga – in ZANU PF and in state institutions, including in terrain which had been thought to be favourable to Chiwenga, like the military.
This means that the path to a favourable outcome for Chiwenga is dramatically narrowing, and he would have to come out with a spectacular, Houdini like manoeuvre to escape the stranglehold within the current political window left.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
Zimbabwe is now inexorably marching towards either an ED life presidency or a dynasty, depending on who you ask, barring the unexpected. If the intel shared from the sources is accurate, as is highly likely, in the next few weeks or months, we should start seeing “movements” from Ziyambi Ziyambi and the captured Parliament to kickstart the Constitutional framework to enforce ED‘s tilt at a life presidency which I exclusively disclosed here 2 years ago to many disbelieving folks!
Remember, you read it here first. If there are further twists &amp; turns, I will provide updates. If time permits, there will be further in-depth analysis over the weekend.
The biggest take away is Chiwenga‘s reported silence during probably one of the most significant Politburo meetings in ZANU PF &amp; Zimbabwe‘s history! Did he “choke?” Was he intimidated? Had be been “tipped” ahead of the meeting – perhaps that it was trap to see if he would foolishly back Geza &amp; crew and be accused of being their Godfather? It is part of an elaborate strategy – a long game – smoke &amp; mirrors version of his own? At this point, we simply do not know!
Whatever we all think, it was a huge victory for ED – for now. He has effectively managed to get “elected” as a life President by ZANU PF without ever publicly claiming to want the position.
By the very same act, it is now illegal in ZANU PF to go against the 2030 resolution, so Chiwenga is now no longer able to publicly oppose the resolution without risking being subjected to disciplinary action.
In terms of the military, CDF Phillip Valerio Sibanda is above Sanyatwe in terms of protocol and is in ED’s corner, the War Veterans are currently divided after ED unleashed Douglas Mahiya &amp; Tungwarara on them – so the situation is at best murky for Chiwenga &amp; his team. He would have to find ingenious / create ways to dismantle that coalition &amp; steal a march on ED.
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Pindula News

Zimbabwe's ruling party, ZANU PF, has approved a change to the Constitution to extend President Mnangagwa's term. During a heated meeting, some argued it was unconstitutional but Mnangagwa intervened. Vice President Chiwenga remained silent, causing confusion. Mnangagwa's supporters expelled some party leaders. This move could lead to Mnangagwa becoming president for life. The military may also be on Mnangagwa's side. Chiwenga's options are limited, and he may need to make a big move to challenge Mnangagwa. The situation is tense, with uncertain outcomes for both sides.

ZANU PF Politburo Okays Constitutional Amendment To Extend Mnangagwa's Term, Says Mutebuka

ZANU PF says there is no need for a referendum to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s second and final term from 2028 to 2030, as the elections will be postponed to 2030 via a Constitutional Amendment.
At its 21st Annual National People’s Conference in Bulawayo in October 2024, ZANU PF resolved to extend Mnangagwa’s term by two years.
Addressing a ZANU PF Harare Youth inter-district meeting on Saturday, Harare Provincial Chairman Godwills Masimirembwa explained the plan to amend the Constitution to extend President Mnangagwa’s term. Said Masimirembwa (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/no-need-for-referendum-to-extend-presidential-term/">The Herald</a>):
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After Parliament amends the Constitution by postponing the elections, it is not necessary to go for a Referendum. There will be no need for a Referendum. Parliament was directed to amend the Constitution in line with Resolution Number One.
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He asserted that the proposed amendment aligns with Section 91(2) of the Constitution, which disqualifies anyone from running for president after serving two terms, with each term defined as three or more years. Said Masimirembwa:
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The Referendum is only necessary if we interfere with the term limit provision, which is a three-year period. If the President serves less than three years, it’s not considered a full term. He falls within the term limit of the presidential term provision.
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Masimirembwa argued that the proposed extension does not violate constitutional term limits, as it merely postpones the elections to 2030 without changing the two-term cap. He said:
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This will be in line with the two-term limit of the President according to the country’s Constitution. He will be within the confines of the two-term limit. What is required is just to postpone the elections up to 2030.
There is no need to worry about interference with the term limit, so the party resolution is in tandem with the term limit provision.
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ZANU PF wants to extend President Mnangagwa's term by two years without a referendum. They plan to change the Constitution and postpone the elections to 2030. The party says this won't violate the two-term limit because the extension doesn't change the term limit rules. They believe it is all in line with the Constitution. Masimirembwa, a ZANU PF official, explained this at a meeting. They don't think a referendum is needed for this change.

No Need For A Referendum To Extend Mnangagwa's Term, Says Masimirembwa

A faction within the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party, led by Jameson Timba, has publicly rejected calls by party chief whip Charles Moyo to postpone the 2028 harmonised elections until 2030. 
Moyo, aligned with a rival faction led by Sengezo Tshabangu, suggested dialogue with ZANU-PF to achieve this postponement, citing the need for smoother implementation of the National Development Strategy 2.
However, CCC Member of Parliament Darlington Chigumbu, Shadow Cabinet Spokesperson and representative for Budiriro South issued a statement unequivocally rejecting this “ED2030” proposal on behalf of the Timba faction. Said Chigumbu:
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As Members of Parliament elected by the people and who represent the Alternative, we would like to distance ourselves from the statement allegedly made by Hon. Charles Moyo regarding moving the constitutionally due 2028 elections to 2030.
We reiterate that we are constitutionalists, and the year 2030 agenda is not part of our policy agenda as a party.
As enshrined in Section 2(2) of our Zimbabwean Constitution, the constitution is binding on every person, natural or juristic, including the State and all executive, legislative, and judicial institutions and agencies of government at every level, and must be fulfilled by them.
We would also like to make it categorically clear that, as opposition MPs, we have no association with ZANU PF resolutions and cannot be compelled to ratify them.
The only relationship we have with ZANU PF, in the context of our parliamentary work, is to deliver policies that help grow our beloved country, Zimbabwe.
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The “ED2030 agenda,” a controversial initiative spearheaded by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, seeks to extend his presidential term beyond the scheduled 2028 elections to 2030.
This initiative has drawn sharp criticism for allegedly violating both the party and national constitutions, fueling internal divisions within the ruling ZANU-PF party.
Chigumbu stressed the party’s commitment to addressing the nation’s challenges and upholding the rule of law, implicitly rejecting the ED2030 agenda. He said:
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Our country faces numerous challenges, including food shortages, energy crises, moribund health services, climate change, corruption, and other vices. We are fully committed to addressing these challenges— nothing else.
As an alternative government, we have always maintained that advancing the rule of law in Zimbabwe requires taking the right path.
A false path will lead us to the very opposite of what we aim to achieve as a nation. It is essential that we uphold the rule of law and approach it with sincerity and earnestness.
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More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A group in the CCC party, led by Jameson Timba, doesn't want to delay the 2028 elections to 2030 like Charles Moyo suggested. They believe in following the constitution and are against extending Mnangagwa's term. Darlington Chigumbu, from Budiriro South, spoke out against this proposal and wants to focus on fixing issues like food shortage and corruption. They don't want to work with ZANU PF on this. The party is divided over this issue, with some supporting the delay and others rejecting it to follow the law. The group led by Timba wants to stick to the constitution and do what is best for Zimbabwe.

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