Why Cabinet approved Mnangagwa’s 2030 Vision: The Hidden Legal Clause Zanu PF is Using to Extend Presidential Power?

HARARE – A legislative proposal to extend presidential terms in Zimbabwe has ignited a fierce debate, casting a long shadow over President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s proclaimed 2030 vision for national development. While the government frames this move as a pathway to enhanced stability and policy continuity, critics and constitutional experts are raising serious alarms, suggesting a calculated manoeuvre to entrench power and fundamentally alter the nation’s democratic trajectory.

On 10 February 2026, Zimbabwe’s cabinet gave its approval to a draft law that, if enacted, would significantly reshape the country’s political landscape. The proposed amendments are far-reaching: they seek to extend the presidential term from the current five years to seven, and perhaps even more controversially, shift the presidential election process from a direct popular vote to one conducted by Members of Parliament. Furthermore, the President would gain the power to appoint an additional 10 senators, expanding the upper house from 80 to 90 seats. These changes, if implemented, could allow President Mnangagwa, currently 83 years old, to remain in office until at least 2030, despite his current term being set to expire in 2028.

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has indicated that public consultations will precede the bill’s journey to parliament, where the ruling Zanu-PF party holds a commanding two-thirds majority in both chambers. This parliamentary dominance means the party possesses the numerical strength to push through constitutional amendments. However, the path is unlikely to be smooth, with legal challenges anticipated from various quarters. Constitutional experts are quick to point out that any alteration to term limits that benefits a sitting president typically necessitates a national referendum, a safeguard enshrined in the 2013 Constitution.

The 2013 Constitution, a product of extensive public consultation and a national referendum, was specifically designed to prevent the kind of prolonged presidential rule that characterised Robert Mugabe’s 37-year tenure. Section 328(7) of this foundational document explicitly states that an amendment to a term-limit provision cannot benefit an individual who held or occupied the office before the amendment. This clause is at the heart of the impending legal battle, as opponents argue that extending President Mnangagwa’s term would directly contravene this constitutional principle. The question then becomes: can a parliamentary majority simply override such a fundamental constitutional safeguard, or is a direct mandate from the people through a referendum truly indispensable?

The government’s official justification for these proposed changes, as articulated in a cabinet statement, is to “enhance political stability and policy continuity to allow development programmes to be implemented to completion”. This narrative suggests that a longer presidential term, coupled with parliamentary selection, would provide the necessary stability for long-term projects under the 2030 vision to come to fruition. However, critics view this as a thinly veiled attempt to consolidate power, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic principles and accountability.

President Mnangagwa, known as “the crocodile” for his political astuteness, first ascended to power in 2017 following a military coup that ousted Robert Mugabe. He secured a five-year term in the 2018 elections and was re-elected in 2023, though these results were met with significant dispute. Hints of his desire to remain in power beyond 2028 began to surface approximately two years ago, with the slogan “2030 he will still be the leader” becoming a common chant at Zanu-PF rallies. While President Mnangagwa publicly dismissed the idea at the time, his supporters consistently argued that his continued leadership was essential to complete his “Agenda 2030” development programme.

The political landscape surrounding this issue has been fraught with tension and internal dissent. Blessed Geza, a respected veteran of the 1970s war of independence and a former member of Zanu-PF’s powerful central committee, emerged as a vocal critic of President Mnangagwa’s ambitions. Last year, Geza launched a scathing attack, apologising for his role in bringing Mnangagwa to power and accusing the President of nepotism in his alleged bid to extend his stay in office. His outspoken criticism led to his expulsion from Zanu-PF for disloyalty, forcing him into hiding. Despite this, Geza maintained a significant following on social media, where he regularly posted videos advocating for protests against the government.

Tragically, Blessed Geza, also known as “Bombshell,” passed away last week in South Africa. Hours before his death, a poignant message was posted on his social media pages, urging Zimbabweans to “carry forward the noble war to remove President Mnangagwa and end the plunder of our country”. His death has further intensified the debate, with figures like Andrease Ethan Mathibela, national chairman of the influential Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, praising Geza for his courage. Mathibela stated, “At a time when silence would have been easier, he chose to speak out against corruption and nepotism that continue to undermine the promise of independence.” Geza’s passing leaves a void in the opposition, but his final message resonates deeply with those who fear the implications of extended presidential rule.

Opposition figures have been quick to condemn the proposed constitutional changes. Jameson Timba, a senior leader within Zimbabwe’s fractured opposition movement, described the cabinet’s approval as “politically destabilising.” He announced that a group called the Defend the Constitution Platform would immediately consult lawyers and engage regional and international partners to oppose the changes. David Coltart, another prominent opposition politician, echoed the sentiment, asserting that “Any amendment which has the ‘effect’ of extending an incumbent’s tenure should be subjected to a referendum.” Coltart further suggested that the ruling party is aware that such a referendum would likely fail, hence their efforts to avoid one.

Beyond the legal and political arguments, concerns are mounting about the broader implications for Zimbabwe’s democratic health. President Mnangagwa has faced accusations of rampant corruption and suppressing human rights, even as the country grapples with economic hardship despite claims of a growing economy. Attempts to demonstrate against the plan to extend his term have reportedly been met with police crackdowns, leading to numerous arrests. This pattern of suppressing dissent further fuels fears that the proposed constitutional amendments are not about stability, but about consolidating unchecked power.

The historical context is crucial here. The 2013 Constitution was a direct response to the era of prolonged rule under Robert Mugabe, designed to introduce checks and balances and prevent any single individual from holding power indefinitely. The current move to amend this very constitution, particularly concerning presidential term limits and electoral processes, is seen by many as a dangerous regression. It raises fundamental questions about the sanctity of constitutional provisions and the commitment to democratic governance in Zimbabwe.

As the draft law moves towards public consultations and parliamentary debate, the eyes of Zimbabwe, and indeed the international community, will be closely watching. The outcome of this legislative battle will not only determine the future of President Mnangagwa’s tenure but will also serve as a critical indicator of Zimbabwe’s commitment to constitutionalism, democratic principles, and the will of its people. The “Defend the Constitution Platform” and other civil society groups are gearing up for a protracted struggle, vowing to “defend the constitution against its capture.” The coming months will undoubtedly be a defining period for Zimbabwe’s political future.

Summary of Proposed Constitutional Changes

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