What's happened
Zimbabwe's ruling party ZANU-PF has endorsed a plan to amend the constitution, allowing President Mnangagwa to stay in power beyond 2028. The move, supported at the party’s conference in Mutare, faces legal and political opposition amid protests and internal factional disputes.
What's behind the headline?
The push to amend Zimbabwe's constitution signals a significant shift in the country's political landscape. The move, endorsed at ZANU-PF's conference, aims to ensure 'continuity, stability and sustained transformation,' according to party officials. However, it exposes deep internal divisions, with factions loyal to Mnangagwa pushing for an extension, while rivals aligned with Vice President Chiwenga oppose it. The move risks legal challenges, as critics argue it undermines constitutional norms and democratic processes. The timing suggests an attempt to consolidate power amid economic turmoil and widespread dissatisfaction. If successful, this could entrench authoritarian tendencies, further weakening Zimbabwe's fragile institutions. The opposition warns that any constitutional rewrite will face court resistance, but the ruling party's control over parliament gives it leverage. The protests and arrests of activists highlight the tense atmosphere, with authorities deploying heavy police presence to suppress dissent. Overall, this development indicates a potential shift toward prolonged authoritarian rule, with significant implications for Zimbabwe's future stability and democratic prospects.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports that the move was endorsed at the party’s conference, with delegates instructing the government to draft legislation for constitutional amendments. The article notes that Mnangagwa has previously insisted he is a 'constitutionalist' and has no interest in clinging to power, but internal factions are pushing for his stay beyond the constitutional limit. AP News confirms the party's resolution to initiate legislative changes, with hundreds of delegates cheering the motion. Both sources highlight the internal divisions, with loyalists and opponents clashing over the extension. Bloomberg adds that the move aims to 'ensure continuity, stability and sustained transformation,' according to ZANU-PF officials, but also emphasizes the internal factional struggles and opposition resistance. The articles collectively portray a tense political environment, with legal challenges and protests looming, and underline the broader context of Zimbabwe's ongoing economic and political crisis.
How we got here
Mnangagwa is constitutionally required to leave office in 2028 after two terms. The party's move to amend the constitution follows years of economic decline, allegations of corruption, and suppression of dissent. The push for extension reflects internal factional struggles within ZANU-PF, with loyalists seeking to prolong Mnangagwa's rule despite legal and opposition resistance.
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Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa is a Zimbabwean politician who has served as the third President of Zimbabwe since 24 November 2017.
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Constantine Chiwenga, is a Zimbabwean politician and former army general currently serving, since 2017, as the First Vice-President of Zimbabwe under President Emmerson Mnangagwa. In August 2020, he added the Heath Ministry to his portfolio.