'Tshabangu pushing for suspension of 2028 elections'

Published: 8 hours ago

ZANU-PF Secretary for Legal Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, has revealed that Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu is allegedly spearheading a plan to suspend the 2028 general elections, a move that could extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's stay in office beyond the constitutional limit.

The disclosure came during a recent Politburo meeting, where Ziyambi was responding to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga over allegations that Zanu-PF was working with exiled former minister Jonathan Moyo to smuggle a document into Parliament.

According to Ziyambi, the document, titled "Building Bridges Initiative (BBI)," seeks to amend Section 92 of the Constitution to allow for the suspension of general elections, effectively paving the way for Mnangagwa's term to be extended.

However, Ziyambi dismissed claims linking Moyo and businessmen Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Pedzai Sakupwanya to the alleged plot, asserting that the initiative originated from Tshabangu.

"The BBI is an opposition document which was initially brought to my attention by the leader of the opposition in Parliament, Sengezo Tshabangu, in the company of a General Khumalo from the Vice President's Office. As a Party, we should appreciate the relationship with the opposition, which has been beneficial to us. There is no proof whatsoever that the BBI Project is being funded by the named individuals. It appears the author is more seized with it and would have assisted us by unpacking it further," Ziyambi said.

The revelation has exacerbated tensions within Zanu-PF, particularly among factions backing Chiwenga as Mnangagwa's eventual successor, creating a tense atmosphere at the National People's Conference in Mutare. The conference is expected to solidify last year's Resolution Number One, which calls for extending Mnangagwa's tenure.

Ziyambi further defended the BBI, framing it as a nation-building initiative rather than a treasonous plot.

"It is surprising how the writer got hold of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) document if it was meant for Parliament. This tendency of stalking officials who are carrying out their duties is regrettable. There is nothing treasonous about improving a political system. This BBI, which is being referred to, is not strange to us, and it's actually promoting nation building and cohesion as compared to the author's divisive and inciteful document," he said.

The disclosure has added a new layer of political intrigue as Zanu-PF navigates internal divisions ahead of critical leadership deliberations.
- NewZimbabwe

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