Since Zimbabwe’s independence in April 1980, Zimbabwe was ruled by the late Robert Mugabe who was Prime Minister from 1980 until his election as president in December 1987, a post he held until his removal by a “coup” November 2017 that led to assumption of presidency by Emmerson Mnangagwa. Mugabe openly believed in a one-party state and used violence and intimidation to prevent anyone challenging his monopoly on power at the ballot box and as a result he was able to retain power for a very long period.
Constitutional Manipulation Signals a Dangerous Return to Mugabe-Era Authoritarianism
When Mnangagwa assumed power in 2017, he indicated on numerous occasions that he was a constitutionalist and would not seek a term extension. However, tables turned after his election in 2023 when his followers started clamouring for term extension under the guise that there are a lot of works that he should complete to fulfil his “Vision 2030.” Despite this rising pressure, Mnangagwa has remained silent in public forums about the calls for a term extension, leading to speculation that he may be in favor of the requests made by his supporters.
The million-dollar question was under the 2013 constitution is it possible that the president can extend his term? Section 91(2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe reads that “A person is disqualified for election as President or appointment as Vice-President if he or she has already held office as President for two terms, whether continuous or not, and for the purpose of this subsection three or more years’ service is deemed to be a full term.” Therefore, a term extension will require the repealing of section 91 of the constitution as outlined in section 328. However, the same section 328 initially designed to ensure that the incumbent president will not be a beneficiary to the amendment will also need to be repealed. All these amendments would be a walk over given that the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) has two thirds majority in parliament. Also there are disturbing reports that ZANU PF has already tabled proposals to amend the constitution without going for a referendum.
While the country is yet to implement the 2013 constitution it is appalling that the government is already thinking of amending it to maintain its grip on power, at the expense of the general populace. The Mnangagwa administration has been marred by a lot of controversies on corruption, high poverty levels characterised by high unemployment rates, poor health care, dilapidation of infrastructure and a dysfunctional economy. Given all this the honourable thing to do for Mnangagwa is to step down after serving his two terms in 2028 and allow for the holding of free and fair elections.
Economic Collapse Looms as Leadership Prioritizes Power Over Reform
Upholding the constitution is an integral and key element of any democratic society and for constitutionalism to thrive, there are certain conditions that must be met, and key among them is adherence to presidential term limits. Term-limits allow for checks on the abuse power, reduce the barriers to entry to politics and encourage the development of strong institutions upon which political decisions are made. Therefore, amending the constitution will mark the beginning of the undermining of constitutional principles.
In addition, amending the constitution to prolong Mnangagwa’s rule would set a precedent that democratic rules can be altered when they become inconvenient to those in power and as a result those in power can amend the constitution as and when it becomes favourable for them to do so. Zimbabwe would have set itself on a very bad trajectory driving it back to the pre 2013 constitution which had 19 amendments most of which were put in place by the Mugabe administration tightening his claws on power. The constitution will lose its integrity and will become a weak document that serves no purpose at all.
The proposed amendment to the constitution is likely to worsen Zimbabwe’s already fragile economic situation, increasing the chances of further instability and hardship for its citizens. Currently, Zimbabwe faces numerous significant challenges, including widespread corruption, high unemployment rates, chronic economic volatility, extensive poverty, and a rising cost of living. Additionally, investor confidence remains critically low, hindering any potential for economic recovery.
If passed, the amendment is likely to deepen these existing crises by undermining international trust in the current administration’s ability to govern effectively. Many formal businesses, which have already suffered significantly under the current economic conditions, may find themselves with no viable options but to either shut down or relocate to more favourable environments, further decimating the formal sector. Such a mass exodus would severely diminish the country’s economic infrastructure, leaving the unregulated informal sector as the predominant mode of commerce.
Moreover, the informal sector is not immune to the adverse effects of the government’s misguided policies. Instead of fostering an environment conducive to growth, the government has implemented stringent regulations and excessive taxation that stifle entrepreneurship and innovation. An extension of Mnangagwa’s rule under these circumstances would likely culminate in a disastrous economic environment, resulting in heightened uncertainty and eroded confidence among those operating within the informal economy. The implications of this scenario could be dire, not only for economic stability but also for the broader social fabric of Zimbabwean society.
Defending Democracy: A call to Citizens to Resist Undemocratic Amendments and Defend Constitutionalism
Holding regular elections is a key element for any democracy to flourish. Therefore, postponing elections will undermine and erode public trust. Elections are held to ensure that citizens participate in the governing processes and provide mechanisms for the electorate to have a say with regards to leadership and policy direction for the country. This will ensure that there are necessary checks and balances between those in power and the governed. Elections are important for fostering a social contract that allows citizens to shape their future. Therefore, when the constitution is amended to postpone elections to benefit a single person, whose tenure has been marked by failure in all aspects raises serious concerns. This unwise move does not only tarnish the image of the country on the international stage but thus signals a serious disregard for democratic principles. Citizens will generally lose faith in electoral processes as they see them as platforms to perpetuate the status quo. Even when elections are eventually conducted this will result in apathy because of disillusionment or fear leading to a deceptive portrayal of democratic engagements.
At this critical moment, the government should stop this move to extend the term of office for president Mnangagwa and instead prioritise addressing pressing national issues such as unemployment, poverty and inequality. There should be efforts to implement the constitution effectively, instead of driving all energy to retain power which is being visibly abused. The proposed amendments to the constitution and the extension of term limits presents a dangerous precedent and a threat to the country’s democratic framework. Such actions could ultimately plunge the nation into a state of governance from which it may find it very difficult, if not impossible, to recover. Citizens must rally together to oppose these amendments, fully aware of the disastrous long-term consequences they could impose on national development and social cohesion.
Proposing constitutional changes without involving the citizens, i.e. minus a referendum—who entrusted their vote to the constitution—disregards the very foundation of democracy. Any attempts to bypass a national referendum on these amendments must be met with rigorous resistance, both in the legal sphere and through active advocacy campaigns. The electorate has the responsibility to hold their elected representatives accountable by petitioning them to oppose this perilous initiative.
It is critical for Zimbabweans to engage in dialogue, mobilize community support, all sectors including the informal sector, students, farmers, the churches, and ensure that their voices are heard in the political arena. Only through collective action can the citizens safeguard their rights and promote a transparent, accountable government that prioritizes the welfare and aspirations of its people over the perpetuation of power.
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