ZANU PF moves to finalise constitutional amendment process to extend presidential term

ZANU PF says it is nearing completion of processes to amend Zimbabwe’s Constitution to extend President Mnangagwa’s term to 2030, with Cabinet and Parliament stages next (image source)

CHINHOYI — ZANU PF says its internal process to amend the Constitution in line with Resolution Number One — a proposal aimed at extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office to 2030 — is nearing completion, with formal government procedures expected to begin next month.

Party Secretary for Legal Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is also Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, told delegates at the party’s first Mashonaland West Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting on Saturday that the amendment principles will be submitted to Cabinet when it resumes sitting in February, following the President’s return from annual leave.

If Cabinet approves the principles, Ziyambi said a Constitutional Amendment Bill will be drafted and tabled in Parliament. Should it secure the required legislative support, the bill would then be sent to the President for assent, completing the formal constitutional process.

(image source)

Ziyambi framed the proposal as procedurally lawful, emphasising that Zimbabwe’s Constitution provides mechanisms for amendment. He said the move stems from a party resolution rather than an individual initiative. “The Constitution of Zimbabwe allows for changes and amendments, and that is exactly what we are following,” he said, adding that once lawfully passed, the President would be constitutionally required to sign the bill into law.

He acknowledged that the proposal may face opposition but criticised what he described as selective constitutionalism among detractors. Ziyambi also urged party members to maintain internal unity and discipline, warning that factional disputes weaken organisational effectiveness. He cautioned against the misuse of senior leaders’ names for personal leverage.

Provincial chairperson Mary Mliswa-Chikoka told the meeting that Mashonaland West structures were prepared for an upcoming Cell Verification Day and expressed confidence ahead of the Chegutu Ward 1 by-election set for 21 February. The vacancy followed the death of a Citizens Coalition for Change councillor. ZANU PF selected Gift Konjana, a former MDC Alliance candidate who joined the ruling party in 2023, as its candidate.

The next phase of the process involves Cabinet consideration, legislative drafting, parliamentary debate and voting. Observers say attention will focus on the bill’s wording, the parliamentary arithmetic required for constitutional change, and any legal or political challenges that could emerge as the proposal moves through formal channels.