Political analysts have issued a stark warning that Zimbabwe is on the brink of a de facto ‘life presidency’ if the ruling Zanu-PF party successfully pushes for the suspension of general elections until 2037. This follows the recent enactment of Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 (CAA3). President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently assented to CAA3, a controversial bill that postpones the next scheduled general elections from 2028 to 2030, abolishes direct presidential elections by transferring the power to elect the president to Parliament, and amends several other key provisions of the 2013 Constitution.
While Zanu-PF held ‘thank you’ rallies last week to celebrate these constitutional changes, party leaders in Harare and Masvingo provinces have argued that extending elections only to 2030 does not go far enough. Harare provincial chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa indicated that the province would table a resolution at the party’s next annual conference, seeking to retain Mnangagwa as president until 2037. Masvingo province has reportedly made a similar proposal.
This push follows earlier calls by some Zanu-PF supporters to extend Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond his current constitutional limit, though the president had previously maintained he was a constitutionalist. If the proposed extension to 2037 were implemented, President Mnangagwa, who assumed office in 2017, would be 95 years old at the end of his presidency, having served for 20 years.
Key Players Involved
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa: Current Zimbabwean President, whose term is being discussed for extension.
- Zanu-PF: Zimbabwe’s ruling party, pushing for constitutional amendments and election suspension.
- Godwills Masimirembwa: Harare provincial chairperson for Zanu-PF, advocating for Mnangagwa’s presidency until 2037.
- Vivid Gwede: Political analyst, warning against the implications of CAA3.
- Pride Nkomo: Analyst, commenting on the latest calls for extension.
Event Timeline
- Circa July 26, 2026: Political analysts warn of a ‘life presidency’ risk following Zanu-PF’s push for election suspension.
- Recently: President Emmerson Mnangagwa assents to Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 (CAA3).
- Last Week: Zanu-PF holds ‘thank you’ rallies for constitutional changes, with provincial leaders suggesting further election extensions.
