Zimbabwe president drops third term bid, aims for constitutional changes
President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has announced his decision to withdraw from the pursuit of a third term in office to concentrate on implementing constitutional reforms.
This decision follows criticism of the potential impact of his succession amid growing calls for a third term. The possibility of a third term had already been a topic of discussion following his controversial re-election, which was deemed not credible by foreign observers.
The initial endorsement for a third term came from Vice President Kembo Mohadi, who publicly called for President Mnangagwa to extend his time in office during celebrations for the late Robert Mugabe's birthday.
“I don’t have the power to say (I will stay) as this matter is in the hands of God,” the EastAfrican quoted the president's reply.
After facing opposition from the security sector and even within his party, President Mnangagwa announced that he would not seek to extend his presidency beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms. Instead, his administration is now pursuing substantial constitutional amendments that could roll back significant electoral reforms.
One of the proposed amendments includes transferring key responsibilities such as voter registration from the independent Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to a government department. In addition, the drawing of electoral boundaries may also be taken away from the independent elections management body and given to a commission appointed by the president.
The proposed constitutional changes have raised concerns about President Mangagwa's consolidation of power and influence in the country's political landscape. Critics argue that these changes could potentially allow him to select a successor and continue to exert influence even after his rule
This is not the first time President Mangagwa has sought to implement sweeping constitutional amendments. In 2021, he pushed through 27 constitutional amendments in a single move, including removing a clause that provided for the election of a president as a running mate.
