Published: 3 hours ago

Zimbabwean civic society groups have launched a nationwide campaign to oppose what they describe as a covert plan by President Emmerson Mnangagwa's loyalists to postpone the 2028 elections. Reports indicate that some factions within Zanu-PF are pushing to delay the elections to 2030, a move that would effectively extend Mnangagwa's tenure by two additional years.

The so-called "2030 agenda" has reportedly created deep divisions within the ruling party, with resistance coming from various structures, including war veterans. Mnangagwa, however, has publicly maintained that he does not seek to extend his term and has emphasized his commitment to constitutionalism. Despite these assurances, some party loyalists continue to advocate for the postponement. Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe recently stated that Zimbabwe would not hold the general elections scheduled for 2028, fueling concerns about potential constitutional manipulation.

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC), an umbrella body of civic society organizations, said the 2030 agenda must be resisted by all Zimbabweans. At a coordinating committee meeting on August 28, the Coalition resolved to mobilize citizens to reject attempts to amend the constitution without a referendum. CiZC spokesperson Marvelous Kumalo explained that the campaign, named Tinoida Yakadaro, Siyifuna Injalo - which translates to "we want it like that" - aims to protect constitutional provisions that require public approval for such changes. The campaign will operate both online and offline, encouraging broad citizen participation.

Constitutionally, Zimbabwean elections are mandated every five years. Sources suggest that Zanu-PF, which holds a two-thirds majority in Parliament, may attempt to bypass a referendum and use parliamentary procedures to ratify the election delay. The move is widely seen as a tactic to prevent Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga from succeeding Mnangagwa, though the president has not officially named a successor, following the precedent of his predecessor, the late Robert Mugabe.

The CiZC also emphasized the need to expand their advocacy beyond Zimbabwe's borders, with plans to establish a regional platform that strengthens civil society efforts to counter authoritarianism, promote good governance, uphold the rule of law, and protect human rights.

Meanwhile, the self-styled Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) secretary general, Sengezo Tshabangu, has publicly supported aspects of the 2030 agenda, leading critics to label him a Zanu-PF proxy, a claim he denies. Tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who has been speculated to harbor presidential ambitions, recently faced a setback when his bid to join Zanu-PF's central committee under unclear circumstances was rejected, further intensifying political speculation.

The emerging campaign by civic society groups highlights growing public concern over potential constitutional manipulation and underscores the continued tension within Zimbabwe's political landscape as the 2028 elections approach.
- The Standard