Students against proposed extension of Mnangagwa’s term

The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) has voiced strong opposition to proposals aimed at extending President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s term beyond the constitutionally mandated limit.

 In a recent interview, Passable Maremudza, ZINASU’s International Relations Secretary, expressed deep concerns over the potential implications of such an extension.

“Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has done nothing to deserve the extension of his term to 2030,” Maremudza stated.

 “Mnangagwa and his team have failed this country, so his extension would mean the extension of squalid life, a bleak future for the youth, it means the extension of potholes on our roads; it means the extension of the unemployment rate,” Maremudze said.

Maremudza stated  that ZANU PF, the ruling party, has been in power for over 40 years without delivering meaningful progress. 

“Actually, what they want to extend is poverty, suppression of the opposition voices, and we are against that. They call themselves constitutionalists, but what they are fighting for is against the principles of our constitution,” shae said.

Highlighting the constitutional provision that limits presidential terms to two, Maremudza questioned the necessity of an extension.

“What does he want to do with the extension that he has failed to do during his two terms? Our constitution says two terms, and it’s enough, they are just power-hungry,” se asserted.

From the perspective of the student community, Maremudza criticised the current administration’s failure to uphold constitutional mandates regarding education. 

“As for us students, this regime has failed to uphold the constitution, which says that education should be free, but instead, they have made our life so difficult, our fees are so exorbitant, and that way, it’s the infringement of our educational rights,” she lamented. 

“In fact, ZANU PF must go as early as yesterday.”

These remarks come amid reports that ZANU PF is considering extending President Mnangagwa’s term by two years, pushing it to 2030. 

The constitution currently restricts presidents to two five-year terms, with Mnangagwa’s second term set to end in 2028. 

While party spokesperson Farai Marapira confirmed the party’s position, details on how this extension would be achieved remain unclear.

Legal experts have noted that such a move would require significant constitutional amendments, possibly involving multiple referendums. 

President Mnangagwa has publicly stated that he will not seek to extend his term beyond 2028, stating his commitment to the constitution.

 “His Excellency’s hand was involved in the drafting of the current Constitution. He is a constitutionalist and has made it clear that he will abide by the Constitution, which limits Presidential terms. He has no intention of serving beyond 2028,” said Patrick Chinamasa, ZANU PF’s Secretary for Legal Affairs.

Despite these assurances, concerns persist among various groups, including ZINASU, about potential attempts to alter constitutional term limits.