ZIMBABWE’S PRESIDENT FACES PUSH FOR THIRD TERM DESPITE CONSTITUTION LIMITS

President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has publicly said that he does not want to stay in power beyond his second term, which is set to end in 2028. But some of his strongest political supporters are already pushing for him to stay as the leader after that. This situation is raising concerns about whether the country’s constitution, which only allows a president to serve two terms, will be respected or not.

Owen “Mudha” Ncube, who is the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, is one of the most vocal supporters of Mnangagwa’s continued leadership. He is from the Midlands, where Mnangagwa is also from. Recently, Ncube led a gathering in Shurugwi, where people were shouting chants that Mnangagwa would stay in power until at least 2030, even though his term would end in 2028. This shows that there is a push for Mnangagwa to stay in office longer, despite what the constitution says.

What made the event even more interesting was that one of Mnangagwa’s twin sons, Collins Takunda, was present and joined in the chants with Ncube. Collins and his brother Sean Tafadzwa have also been involved in politics, which could be seen as a way for Mnangagwa to keep power within his family and among his most loyal supporters.

But not everyone in Mnangagwa’s party agrees with this idea. Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who has the support of some people in the military, is strongly against any move to keep Mnangagwa in power after his second term. Chiwenga and his allies believe Mnangagwa should follow the rules of the constitution and step down when his term ends, or even before 2028.

This disagreement within the party shows a bigger issue in Zimbabwean politics. Often, personal ambitions clash with what is good for the country. The idea of Mnangagwa staying for a third term is especially important because it will test how strong Zimbabwe’s democratic system is after the long rule of Robert Mugabe. Mugabe was known for changing the rules to stay in power for many years, and some fear Mnangagwa might do the same.

Legal experts and political commentators are paying close attention to what will happen next. If the constitution is changed to allow Mnangagwa to stay in power longer, it could set a bad example for future leaders. This could weaken Zimbabwe’s democracy and bring back some of the problems the country faced under Mugabe’s rule.

The international community is also watching closely. Many Western countries and human rights groups had a difficult relationship with Zimbabwe in the past because of issues like election fraud and human rights violations. If Zimbabwe changes its constitution to let Mnangagwa stay in power, these countries and groups may see it as a step backward. This could lead to more sanctions on Zimbabwe, which is already facing serious economic problems.

At the same time, the people of Zimbabwe have become more vocal about their rights and the need for honest leadership. They may play an important role in how things turn out. If Mnangagwa tries to extend his presidency, the reaction from the public could be strong. There could be widespread calls for the government to respect the constitution and follow the rules of democracy.

As the 2028 elections get closer, the actions of Mnangagwa, his supporters, and those who oppose him will shape Zimbabwe’s future. The country will face a big test: Will it stay on the path of democracy, or will it go back to the days of leaders bending the rules to stay in power? The next few years will be crucial for Zimbabwe’s future and its commitment to democracy.