Zimbabwe Presidency Declares Term Extension Bid for Mnangagwa ‘Dead and Buried’

HARARE – Any efforts within Zanu PF to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond his constitutionally mandated second term are definitively over, according to presidential spokesman George Charamba. Charamba’s statement on Thursday addresses concerns raised by Catholic bishops, who criticized the preoccupation with extending Mnangagwa’s term to 2030 or seeking a third term, arguing that it distracts from critical economic issues facing Zimbabwe. The debate has stirred controversy, with some Zanu PF members supporting the extension for stability, while others worry about constitutional adherence and potential instability.

The debate surrounding a potential extension of President Mnangagwa’s term has been a contentious issue in Zimbabwe.While some within the ruling Zanu PF party have openly supported the idea, citing the need for continued stability and progress under his leadership, others have voiced concerns about adherence to constitutional term limits and the potential for political instability. The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops conference recently added thier voice to the debate, urging the government to prioritize “bread and butter issues” over what they see as unneeded political distractions. The bishops’ intervention highlights the growing unease over the direction of the country and the perceived prioritization of political maneuvering over economic realities.

Charamba’s Firm Rejection

George Charamba addressed the concerns directly, stating that the issue of extending mnangagwa’s term is unequivocally “dead and buried.” He conveyed this message to The Herald, emphasizing that the government found it “a bit disturbing” that the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference was focusing on a matter that had already been resolved. Charamba asserted that President Mnangagwa himself has clearly stated his lack of interest in pursuing an extension beyond what is constitutionally permissible. This firm stance aims to quell speculation and reaffirm the government’s commitment to constitutional principles.

“The bishops raised the issue of the debate around the presidential term of office. Whilst this is really within their remit to proffer views and ideas on the matter, what the government found a bit disturbing is the fact that the Zimbabwe Catholic bishops Conference is pronouncing itself on a matter which is actually dead and buried,”

George Charamba, Presidential Spokesman

Charamba further elaborated on Mnangagwa’s position, highlighting that the president’s rejection of the proposal effectively closes the matter, irrespective of ongoing discussions within the party or broader society. He emphasized that any potential extension requires the nominee’s acceptance, which, in this case, is absent. this underscores the importance of the president’s own stance in resolving the debate.

“The nominee for that extension has to want to have that term extended,isn’t it? This is why we talk about what we call an acceptance speech or a statement. The president has made it clear that he has no intention of accepting that proposal which is coming from the party and from society. And once the nominee has turned down the proposal,then it means the debate on the matter,whilst it may continue in society,cannot have any serious executive implication,in which case one does not expect the holy fathers and bishops to continue to harp on a matter which in fact stands closed.”

George Charamba, Presidential spokesman

Divergence Within Zanu PF

Charamba’s pronouncements highlight a potential rift between the presidency and some Mnangagwa loyalists who have been advocating for constitutional amendments to allow him to remain in power beyond 2028. These loyalists have reportedly insisted that Mnangagwa could be convinced to support such proposals, either through a two-year extension or by completely removing term limits. This internal division underscores the complexities of power dynamics within the ruling party and the varying perspectives on the future leadership of Zimbabwe.

Catholic Bishops’ Call for Focus on Economic Issues

The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference has been vocal in its criticism of the government’s focus on political maneuvering, urging Zanu PF to prioritize addressing the country’s pressing economic challenges.The bishops specifically called for a shift away from “distractions such as the ‘third term’ conversations,” which they believe have caused divisions and diverted attention from critical issues. Their intervention reflects the broader concerns about the government’s priorities and the need for tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans.

The bishops also raised concerns about rampant corruption, stating that “the corrupt seem uncensured and even rewarded whilst haemorrhaging the nation.” This criticism underscores the broader concerns about governance and accountability that have plagued Zimbabwe in recent years. The perception of impunity among corrupt officials further erodes public trust and hinders economic development.

Government’s Response to Corruption Concerns

in response to the bishops’ concerns about corruption, charamba affirmed that fighting corruption “is something that the government considers as a priority area.” However, critics argue that more concrete actions are needed to effectively address the issue and hold those responsible accountable. The effectiveness of the government’s anti-corruption efforts remains a subject of debate and scrutiny.

Conclusion

George Charamba’s declaration that the term extension bid for President Mnangagwa is “dead and buried” aims to quell ongoing speculation and reaffirm the government’s commitment to constitutional term limits. However, the underlying tensions within Zanu PF and the persistent concerns about economic issues and corruption suggest that the debate over Zimbabwe’s future remains far from settled. The focus now shifts to whether the government will heed the call of the Catholic bishops and prioritize addressing the pressing needs of the Zimbabwean people. The coming months will be crucial in determining the direction of Zimbabwe and its commitment to both constitutional principles and economic progress.