Zanu-PF’s Harare Province has initiated a campaign for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain the party leader beyond 2030, advocating for his leadership until 2037. This proposal emerged during a “Thank You” rally for the recently enacted Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 in Epworth over the weekend. The amendment effectively extends the terms of the President, Parliament, and local authorities by two years, moving the next harmonized elections from 2028 to 2030. Zanu-PF Harare Provincial Chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa stated that the province would push for a resolution at the party’s next conference to retain Mnangagwa as its leader for an additional seven years, from 2030 to 2037. The party defends the amendment as a measure for stability, allowing the government to focus on development programs. However, opposition parties and civil society groups have criticized the amendment for weakening democratic safeguards and extending the tenure of elected officials. Masimirembwa emphasized that Mnangagwa’s continued leadership is deemed essential to complete the government’s Vision 2030 development agenda.
Key Players Involved
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa: Current President of Zimbabwe, whose term was recently extended to 2030, now subject to calls for further extension.
- Zanu-PF Harare Province: The provincial political body advocating for Mnangagwa’s extended leadership.
- Godwills Masimirembwa: Zanu-PF Harare Provincial Chairperson, who publicly made the call for Mnangagwa to lead until 2037.
Event Timeline
- Recently: Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 enacted, extending presidential and parliamentary terms to 2030.
- Over the weekend (July 25-26, 2026): Zanu-PF Harare Province held a “Thank You” rally in Epworth.
- During the rally (July 25-26, 2026): Godwills Masimirembwa publicly called for Mnangagwa to lead Zanu-PF until 2037.
