Following Zimbabwe’s general election in August 2023, officials from the ruling ZANU-PF party have made public statements advocating for a constitutional amendment that would permit President Emmerson Mnangagwa to seek a third term. These proposals have initiated a public debate among political parties and civil society organizations regarding the country’s presidential term limits.
The calls for extending presidential tenure have primarily emerged from ZANU-PF provincial leaders and supporters. According to reports from state-affiliated media, proponents argue that President Mnangagwa requires more time to fulfill his economic development goals. During party gatherings in multiple provinces, chants and resolutions supporting a third term have been reported.
Under Section 91 of the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe, a president is limited to a maximum of two five-year terms. An amendment to this section would require a two-thirds majority vote in both the National Assembly and the Senate.
In the August 2023 elections, ZANU-PF secured 177 of the 280 seats in the National Assembly, falling short of the 187 seats needed for a two-thirds majority. The party holds a majority in the Senate.
Opposition parties and civil society groups have voiced their opposition to the proposed changes. The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), the primary opposition party, has stated that any attempt to remove term limits undermines democratic principles established in the 2013 constitution. Legal and governance watchdogs have also issued statements, cautioning that such an amendment could weaken constitutionalism in the country.
President Mnangagwa has not issued a formal public statement addressing the calls for his term extension.
This debate follows the enactment of Constitutional Amendment (No. 2) Act, which was signed into law in May 2021. That legislation introduced several changes, including the removal of the presidential running mate clause, an extension of the retirement age for senior judges, and an increase in the president’s authority in judicial appointments.
As of now, no formal constitutional amendment bill regarding presidential term limits has been introduced to the Parliament of Zimbabwe. The discussion remains at the level of public discourse and intra-party proposals.
