Published: 2 hours ago

The Zanu-PF succession battle is set to resurface at the ruling party's annual conference in Mutare next month, where President Emmerson Mnangagwa's allies are lobbying for a constitutional amendment that would extend his rule beyond the current 2028 two-term limit.

Party insiders say Mnangagwa's faction is pushing for the 13-18 October gathering at Mutare Polytechnic to adopt a resolution that gives effect to a decision passed at last year's Bulawayo conference, which endorsed extending his tenure to 2030.

As previously reported by The NewsHawks, the issue was discussed ahead of the 2 July politburo meeting, where Zanu-PF legal affairs secretary Patrick Chinamasa and Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi were tasked with finding ways to implement the Bulawayo resolution. Though initially resistant, Chinamasa is now backing the plan, reportedly due to his ties with businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, a close Mnangagwa ally eyeing a seat in the Central Committee.

Mnangagwa has publicly denied harbouring ambitions to stay on, but his allies continue to press the case for him, often with his tacit approval. Observers note the irony of the President presenting himself as a constitutionalist despite first coming to power through the 2017 military coup led by his now-rival, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga.

Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe, one of Mnangagwa's key allies, has declared that elections scheduled for 2028 will not take place, saying they will be postponed to 2030 through constitutional changes ratified at the Mutare conference. "When we go to Mutare, me and other provincial chairmen are going to call for the implementation of resolution number 1 that was adopted last year, that President Mnangagwa should remain the ruling party First Secretary and President until he sees through his vision in 2030 and beyond," Garwe told state media.

Under Zimbabwe's current constitution, elections must be held every five years. Lawyers warn that postponing elections through Parliament without a referendum to amend presidential term limits would amount to a "coup against the constitution." Zanu-PF insiders say the party is wary of calling a referendum, fearing it could turn into a plebiscite on Mnangagwa and the party itself.

The manoeuvres highlight the intensifying succession battle within Zanu-PF, as Mnangagwa seeks to consolidate his hold on power while blocking Chiwenga, who played a central role in elevating him to the presidency in 2017.

Despite his repeated claims of having no interest in extending his rule, Mnangagwa's inner circle insists he must stay in office beyond 2028 to complete his "Vision 2030" agenda. The Mutare conference is expected to provide a decisive platform for his allies to formalise that push.
- BD

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