Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said extending President Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028 is a rightful obligation for Parliament and other stakeholders.
In a statement on Wednesday, 22 January, Muswere criticized the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) for opposing the Presidential Term Limit Extension.
On Tuesday, the ZHOCD warned that extending Mnangagwa’s term would amount to a coup against the constitution.
Muswere claimed ZHOCD consists of donor-funded individuals pretending to represent the Church in Zimbabwe.
He reminded Christian leaders that ZANU PF is the political establishment that delivered freedom of expression and religion. The statement reads:
<blockquote>
The politically broad-based call to extend the Presidential term of office beyond 2028 remains a rightful and unquestionable obligation for Parliament, the Party of Zimbabwe’s permanent national democratic revolution -ZANU PF and other legitimate political stakeholders to this matter.
Parliamentarians from the cross-sectional divide of political parties represent the views and interests of their electorate.
Submissions by Honourable Members of Parliament reflect the aspirations of those who voted the constituencies they were elected to serve.
The Parliament is not answerable to narrow, sectoral and regime- change donor funding antics by a paltry conglomerate of civil society entrepreneurs purporting to represent the views of the Church in Zimbabwe.
In the same vein, such Western donor organisations need not to be reminded that ZANU PF is a political establishment which delivered freedom of expression and freedom of religion among many other rights we all enjoy today.
Likewise, the ZANU PF-led Government still ferociously defends freedom of worship for all Zimbabweans most of which are not affiliated to the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHCD) outfit.
However, it is crucial for ZANU PF’s godly existential values not to be abused by minority entities and individuals bent on misrepresenting the cordial relationship which the state and the church enjoy.
The proposal to move a motion on the Presidential Term Limit Extension will follow the provisions of the law.
It must be emphasized that the Constitution will remain centrifugal throughout this process with no iota of infractions.
</blockquote>

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The Minister of Information, Jenfan Muswere, says it's important for President Mnangagwa's rule to be extended beyond 2028. He criticized church leaders for speaking out against this. The church leaders warned that extending the term would go against the law. Muswere thinks the church leaders are influenced by donors and don't represent the true feelings of Zimbabweans. He says that ZANU PF, the ruling party, has given people the freedom to speak and practice their religion. The decision to extend the president's term will follow the law and the Constitution will be respected.

Muswere Castigates Church Leaders For Opposing The Extension Of Mnangagwa's Term

The Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) has raised concerns over recent comments by some Members of Parliament and political activists calling for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his term beyond 2028.
The ZHOCD warned that such actions would amount to a coup against the constitution.
In a statement released on Tuesday, January 21, the ZHOCD urged Mnangagwa to resist these calls and the temptation to extend presidential term limits, saying doing so would not serve the best interests of the country. The statement reads in part:
<blockquote>
The call to extend the Presidential Term Limits and postpone the 2028 elections is an invitation for the President to be a coconspirator in overthrowing the Constitution of the Country which the President is elected to uphold, respect and defend.
The Church takes relief from the consistent remarks made by His Excellency on several occasions where he has repeatedly affirmed his commitment to uphold the Constitution of Zimbabwe by committing not to extend his Presidency beyond the Constitutional and legal limits.
The President’s pronouncements have always been clear and a significant step towards reinforcing the gains of the liberation struggle, good governance, democratic norms and promoting national peace and unity.
We believe His Excellency intends to remain true to his oath to uphold, defend and respect both the Constitution and the Law in letter and spirit.
</blockquote>
The ZHOCD reiterated its call for President Mnangagwa to uphold the constitutional term limits and support a peaceful transition of power in 2028, following free, fair, and credible elections.
The group warned that the proposal to extend presidential term limits could severely undermine public trust in Zimbabwe’s electoral processes and destabilize the country, especially at a time when unity and peace are crucial for economic and social transformation.
In response to these concerns, the ZHOCD urged the President to respect the Constitution and ensure that elections are held in 2028, facilitating a smooth transition of power.
The ZHOCD also called on all Zimbabweans to unite in support of the country’s constitutional integrity and prioritize the nation’s well-being.
Further, the group called for the Government to implement necessary electoral reforms and promote multi-party democracy in preparation for the 2028 elections.
The churches urged Members of Parliament to strengthen constitutionalism by fulfilling their oversight role, ensuring that the Executive respects and defends the Constitution, including adherence to presidential term limits.
The ZHOCD also urged all political parties to commit to upholding the Constitution and laws of Zimbabwe.

Christian leaders in Zimbabwe are worried that some people want the President to stay in power longer than allowed by the Constitution. They say this would be like a coup against the rules of the country. The leaders want the President to stick to the rules and not extend his term. They say it's important for the country to have fair elections in 2028 and for power to transition peacefully. They are asking everyone in Zimbabwe to support the Constitution and work together for the good of the nation. The leaders are also calling for electoral reforms and for politicians to uphold the laws of the country.

Christian Leaders Warn Mnangagwa Term Extension Would Be A Constitutional Coup

ZANU PF has passed a resolution allowing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his term until 2030, but the president has rejected this proposal.
The announcement was made on Saturday by Patrick Chinamasa, the party’s secretary for legal affairs, during the ZANU PF Annual People’s Conference in Bulawayo.
According to the National Constitution, Mnangagwa is limited to a maximum of two terms and cannot run for office again when his current term ends in 2028.
Chinamasa said the party had resolved that Mnangagwa’s term as President and first secretary of ZANU PF should be extended beyond 2028 to 2030.
The resolution also calls for the party and government to initiate necessary amendments to the national Constitution to implement these changes.
However, Chinamasa clarified that Mnangagwa has no intention of serving beyond the constitutional limits, adding that the resolution “will not go anywhere.” He said:
<blockquote>
I understand clearly the motivation behind the resolution. We have scored great achievements in a very short time under the leadership of the president.
I understand the motivation is that these achievements should continue. Our department was being asked the question: ‘Is it legally possible (to extend Mnangagwa’s term)?’
The short answer is that yes it’s legally possible but to achieve it we would need two separate constitutional amendments.
The first amendment would be to remove the presidential term limits, the second amendment would be to remove the disability that the constitution places on the president to serve beyond 2028.
The constitutional bills must be separate, not in one constitutional bill. Each constitutional bill must be followed by a referendum.
</blockquote>
Chinamasa added that he had consulted Mnangagwa three times, and each time, Mnangagwa firmly rejected the idea of extending his presidency.
However, one of Mnangagwa’s staunch supporters, Taurai Kandishaya, ridiculed Chinamasa for claiming at the conference that the president had expressed a desire not to serve beyond 2028. He wrote on Facebook:
<blockquote>
So it happened that I asked my teacher if we were supposed to come for lessons during the holiday, and he looked at me and said NO.
I asked him again the next day, and he said NO. I asked him a third time, and he still said NO. Meanwhile, other students were happy, saying they had extra lessons during the holiday.
Someone then told me, “Young man, your teacher is saying NO because he sees that you don’t really want the lessons. Your question isn’t genuine; it’s just an inquiry. The fact that you’ve asked more than once means you have other motives.”
Moral of the story: Give people the answer they want.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF wanted Mnangagwa to be president until 2030, but he said NO. They wanted to change the law to let him stay longer, but he refused. Some people supported him, but others said he didn't really want to leave. In the end, Mnangagwa didn't agree to the extension, even though his party wanted it.

ZANU PF Passes Resolution For Mnangagwa's Term Extension To 2030

The latest Afrobarometer survey in Zimbabwe shows that 8 out of 10 Zimbabweans (79%) support constitutional provisions limiting the president to a maximum of two five-year terms.
The survey found strong support for the current constitutional arrangement that limits the president to two terms.
Support for presidential term limits is higher among men (81%) than women (76%), and higher in urban areas (85%) compared to rural areas (74%).
The level of education also correlates with support for term limits, rising from 69% among those with primary schooling or less to 87% among those with tertiary education.
The survey also found that about two-thirds (68%) of Zimbabweans favour having multiple political parties to ensure voters can select their leaders.
Again, support for multiparty competition is higher among the more educated (80%) and urban residents (71%) compared to those with secondary schooling or less (60-66%) and rural residents (65%).
Just 20 per cent of respondents supported scrapping these term limits, while only 1 per cent said they “don’t know” or declined to offer an opinion.
Geographically, Mashonaland West province exhibits the highest support for multiparty competition at 85%, in contrast to only 59% in Harare.
The Afrobarometer team in Zimbabwe, led by the Mass Public Opinion Institute (MPOI), conducted face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adult citizens between June 1 and June 15, 2024.
Overall, the Afrobarometer findings suggest strong public opposition to any moves to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms, with the more educated and urban Zimbabweans being the most vocal in their rejection of such attempts.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A survey in Zimbabwe showed that 79% of people support having a limit of two terms for the president. Men and city people were more supportive. Most people also want more than one political party to choose from. Only 20% wanted to get rid of the term limits. The survey was done by talking to 1,200 adults in June 2024. People don't want the president to have more than two terms, especially those who are educated and live in cities.

79% Of Zimbabweans Support Current Presidential Term Limits - Survey

The Heads of Christian Denominations in Zimbabwe (ZHOCD) have welcomed the recent statement made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, affirming his commitment to uphold the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
ZHOCD is an umbrella body that comprises prominent Christian organizations, including the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ), the Union for Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe Africa (UDACIZA), the Zimbabwe Catholics Bishops Conference (ZCBC), and the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC).
In his address at the commissioning of the Mutare Teachers College’s fruit juice and water processing plant on July 4, 2024, President Mnangagwa pledged not to seek a third term in office, thereby reaffirming his respect for the constitutional mandate that limits the presidential term to two terms.
In a statement, ZHOCD praised President Mnangagwa’s public commitment, saying by refusing to extend his presidency beyond the legal limits, he has taken a significant step towards reinforcing democratic norms and promoting national unity in Zimbabwe. It said:
<blockquote>
Therefore, the Church calls upon all Zimbabweans to honour the President’s decision and to support him in the completion of his constitutional term. It also calls upon all Zimbabweans to embrace a spirit of peaceful and transparent leadership renewal. It is imperative that the process remains free from intimidation, violence, and manipulation to ensure national stability and the consolidation of our democracy.
</blockquote>
Despite Mnangagwa’s public commitment to respect the constitutional two-term limit, some ZANU PF structures have since called for the President to continue in office beyond his current term, which is set to end in 2028.
However, even if there were to be a constitutional amendment to remove the term limits, the incumbent president would not be able to benefit from such a change.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Churches in Zimbabwe are happy that the President said he won't try to be president for a third time. They think it's important to follow the rules and have peaceful leadership changes. The President's term is supposed to end in 2028, and even if they change the rules, he can't stay in power. The Churches want everyone to support the President and have a fair and peaceful process for choosing the next leader. They think it's important for the country to stay stable and democratic.

Churches Welcome ED's Pledge Not To Seek A Third Term

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has subtly hinted that he will not seek another presidential term when his current and second term ends in 2028, reported <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/mnangagwa-drops-retirement-hint-as-zanu-pf-hardliners-push-for-third-presidential-term/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>.
This comes as some of Mnangagwa supporters in ZANU PF have reportedly been pushing for an amendment of the Constitution to remove the two-term limit for him to run for a third term.
Speaking in vernacular Shona at the groundbreaking ceremony of a new cricket stadium in Victoria Falls this week, Mnangagwa said:
<blockquote>
Pandanga ndichiona kuti panapa, mumusoro mangu, pachanaka pachavakwa zvakawanda ndikafunga kuti zvandakuno retire chii chandingaitewo panapa. Ndikaona kuti pachava nema butchery saka ndicha feeder mombe dzangu ndichizotengesa mombe ndichiwana mari (When I looked around, I realised that several businesses will be established here such as butcheries. So, I thought that since I am about to retire, I will venture into livestock farming and sell the cattle here and make money.)
</blockquote>
ZANU PF attained a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly following several by-elections that were held after the August 2023 general elections.
Some ZANU PF activists have reportedly been pushing for the party to use its two-thirds majority in the lower house of parliament to amend the Constitution to extend Mnangagwa’s rule.
However, presidential spokesperson George Charamba, recently <a href="https://x.com/dhonzamusoro007/status/1793152028413137124">dismissed the claims</a>, saying the Constitution is clear about the term limits.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa Hints At Retirement Amid Third Presidential Term Speculation

ZANU PF is reportedly contemplating Constitutional Amendments that would, among other changes, eliminate the direct election of the President and instead adopt a system where Parliament elects the President, similar to South Africa’s approach.
In South Africa, during a general election, voters choose a political party rather than an individual candidate.
All votes from across the nation are tallied up, and each party’s share of the vote determines the number of seats they get in the National Assembly.
Parties then fill these seats with members based on their list of candidates submitted before the election.
The President is chosen from among the members of the National Assembly based on the party’s share of seats. Once elected, the President is no longer a member of the National Assembly.
Investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono reported that a senior government official informed him that the ZANU PF-led government is contemplating replacing the first-past-the-post system with a proportional representation approach for electing the President. Said Chin’ono:
<blockquote>
The proposed constitutional changes to the electoral law, under the pretext of including opposition suggestions from the last parliament, are a precursor for the massive changes that ZANU-PF wants to implement.
A very senior government official has told me that the ZANU PF government is considering a constitutional amendment to remove the direct election of a president, opting instead for the South African system where parliament will elect the president.
This means the party with the most number of MPs gets to take the presidency.
</blockquote>
Chin’ono said ZANU PF intends to introduce constitutional changes because it has recognized that its presidential candidates faced challenges against the opposition in the past six elections. These changes aim to thwart the “Bhora Musango” strategy. He wrote on X:
<blockquote>
This move is clearly driven by the realisation that ZANU PF presidential candidates have struggled in the last six elections, while their MPs have performed much better than them.
Who will defend the current constitutional arrangements, and how will they do it?
The opposition parliamentary candidates have struggled in the last three elections, while the opposition presidential candidate has been more popular than the parliamentary candidates.
A similar change has happened in Togo, where the dictator changed the constitution from a direct presidential election to one where the members of parliament elect the president.
The senior government official said this change will remove the Bhora Musango phenomenon, where ZANU PF parliamentary candidates focus on their reelection and let the president work for his own victory.
</blockquote>
This comes as Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi recently told State media that the government is considering constitutional changes that would include the transfer of voter registration responsibilities from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to the Civil Registry Department.
Ziyambi said the proposed amendments stem from recommendations made by Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislators in the Ninth Parliament ahead of the 2023 general elections.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"ZANU PF Considering Electoral Reforms To Remove Direct Election Of The President"

A faction within the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has openly criticized ZANU PF members who are allegedly advocating for an amendment to the Constitution to eliminate the presidential term limit.
According to The Standard, on Friday, March 15, police prevented the ZNLWVA from holding a meeting in Bulawayo. The suspicion was that the conveners were perceived as party spoilers.
The meeting was organized by the ZNLWVA, led by Andrease Mathibela. The war veterans’ welfare organisation is closely affiliated with ZANU PF.
Within ZANU PF circles, Mathibela’s leadership is seen as a resistance movement against the broader political plans of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his faction.
After the ZNLWVA meeting was banned, Mathibela held a press conference in Bulawayo. During this conference, he issued a warning to those advocating for what he termed “dynastic rule” in Zimbabwe. He said:
<blockquote>
On March 16 and 17, 2013, Zimbabweans en masse voted for a new constitution following the referendum which had a turnout of 95.5% of the electorate.
Unanimous in this constitutional resolve was the irreversibility of the land reform programme and the rationality of the presidential term limit to two five year terms.
…Yet today, we have seen the unceremonious abandonment of the indigenisation laws, which sought to reverse years of colonial injustice and domination by protecting Zimbabwean nationals from future subtle re-colonisation practices and dispossession of our rightful heritage by new colonial masters.
Equally, we have witnessed gross mischief by a few sloganeering misfits, who seek to test the waters by conditioning the population to accept the setting aside of our sacred constitutional provisions, thereby attempting to usher in an open ended dynastic rule for Zimbabwe. “Let them be warned.
</blockquote>
Matibela also criticized the police for disrupting their planned meeting.
Reports indicate that within ZANU PF, there is growing support for Mnangagwa’s bid for a third term but the move faces legal hurdles due to constitutional restrictions.
Section 91 of the constitution outlines qualifications for presidential candidates. It explicitly states that an individual is disqualified if they have already held the office of President for two terms, regardless of whether those terms were continuous or not.
Section 328 (7) of the constitution further restricts incumbents from benefiting from any constitutional amendment that extends the length of time in office.
In other words, even if ZANU PF manages to amend the constitution, Mnangagwa, as the incumbent, would not benefit from such an extension.
The legal precedent set by the case of Mupungu v Minister of Justice and others (CCZ07/21) sheds light on this matter.
In that case, the court ruled that prescribed term limits cannot be extended to apply to sitting incumbents without contravening section 328 (8) of the constitution.
Therefore, any amendment allowing third terms would not apply to Mnangagwa during his current tenure.
Mnangagwa controversially won the presidential elections in 2018, serving his first term until 2023. He is currently in his second term, which is set to expire in 2028.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

No Dynastic Rule In Zimbabwe, Say War Veterans

Some women in ZANU PF say the national Constitution should be amended to remove the two-term presidential limit to allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to run for a third term.
ZANU PF women’s league Midlands Provincial chairperson, Tsitsi Zhou, said Mnangagwa is development-oriented and must have an uninterrupted rule. Zhou said:
<blockquote>
As women, we are mobilising and ensuring that people have registered to vote. It must be known that no other party will ever rule in Zimbabwe besides ZANU PF.
We are going to give President Mnangagwa a fresh mandate in the coming elections, and we will tell those in parliament to amend the constitution to give him another term beyond 2023 because the President is a hard worker, and we will hand him another term.
</blockquote>
She said since Mnangagwa assumed power in 2017, he has initiated numerous projects in a short space of time. Said Zhou:
<blockquote>
What the President has achieved in a short time, if he was to be the one in power for the past 37 years, then the country would have made serious economic strides.
His hard work can be testified by the Chirundu-Beitbridge Highway.
What gives us confidence that ZANU PF is a progressive party is based on the fact that the country’s number one citizen is from ZANU PF and he is from Kwekwe, that is where he casts his ballot.
The ZANU PF brand gives us confidence because it spells out victory. Because we are ZANU PF.
We have already won the 2023 elections. We are seeing many people who want to join ZANU PF.
We now have teachers for ED, civil servants for ED, and nurses for ED.
</blockquote>
If Mnangagwa is re-elected in 2023, the law does not allow him to run again in 2028 as he would have been in office for two terms.
He can only contest for the presidency for a third time if there is a constitutional amendment.
| <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zanu-pf-women-want-constitutional-amendment-to-make-mnangagwa-life-president/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

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