ZANU-PF defends constitutional amendment as critics call it ‘third term by stealth’

Zimbabwe’s governing party, ZANU-PF, is facing mounting scrutiny over a proposal to extend the presidential term by two years, a move critics describe as a de facto third term for President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

But a political analyst backing the proposal insists it is both lawful and necessary.

Is this a third term or an extension?

Speaking on 702, Zimbabwean political analyst Conrad Mwanza rejected the characterisation of the move as a third term.

“There is no third term. There’s an extension,” he said.

Mwanza argued the proposal is a collective decision by ZANU-PF rather than an individual bid by Mnangagwa to stay in power.

“What ZANU-PF has resolved as an organisation is that we want our leader to extend for another two years just to implement the programmes.”

Zimbabwe’s Constitution currently provides for two five-year presidential terms.

However, Mwanza said the ruling party, which holds a parliamentary majority, is entitled to amend the Constitution if it follows due process.

“As long as you follow the steps and you have a two-thirds majority in Parliament, you can amend the Constitution,” he said, adding that public consultations are underway before the matter goes to Parliament.

Legal but ethical?

The proposal has triggered sharp debate among Zimbabweans at home and in the diaspora.

Critics argue that changing term limits midstream undermines constitutional safeguards and democratic principles.

Mwanza dismissed claims that the move is unlawful.

“They are not doing anything illegal. As long as they are doing it within the law, I think there’s no problem there.”

He also questioned the basis on which opponents describe the government as oppressive.

“I want to know what stick you’re using to measure oppression,” he said, arguing that many Zimbabweans remain in the country and are ‘living and prosperous’.

Diaspora discontent

The debate is particularly resonant for Zimbabweans living abroad, including the large community in South Africa.

Callers to the show challenged Mwanza’s claims, arguing that economic hardship and governance failures had driven many to leave Zimbabwe.

One listener questioned why the ruling party would seek a two-year extension if it was confident of winning the next election.

“If you know that your trajectory is very well, why can’t you wait for the elections?” the caller asked.

Mwanza maintained that the extension would avoid the disruption and cost of elections during what he described as a positive economic trajectory.

“Elections are very toxic and very expensive,” he said. “We are on a nice trajectory. Let’s just postpone it for two years.”

He went further, describing democracy as flawed in its current form. “Personally, I think democracy is wrong. Ten years is not enough for you to implement good policies and change.”

Economic trajectory and perception

Central to Mwanza’s defence of the proposal is his claim that Zimbabwe’s economy is improving.

“The Zimbabwean economy at this time, as we speak, is actually on the right track,” he said, citing development, mining growth and gains in agriculture following land reform.

He also argued that the country suffers from a ‘perception issue’, amplified by social media and diaspora narratives.

“There is development that’s happening. I would personally want to invite [critics] to Zimbabwe and see for themselves,” he said.

Mwanza called on Zimbabweans abroad to return and contribute to national development.

“Zimbabwe is not going to be built by anybody else but Zimbabweans,” he said. “The country is not Mnangagwa’s country; it’s for you and me as Zimbabweans.”

What happens next?

According to Mwanza, the constitutional amendment process requires public consultation and a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

If passed, the presidential term would shift from five to seven years, beginning with the current administration.

Opponents, however, argue that extending a sitting president’s term, even through legal mechanisms, raises serious constitutional and democratic questions.

For Zimbabweans at home and abroad, the outcome will shape not only the country’s political future but also ongoing debates about governance, legitimacy and economic recovery.

For more details, listen to Mwanza using the audio player below: