By Victor Fanuel
Harare, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe National Revival Party (ZNRP) has issued a strong condemnation following the 22nd ZANU-PF National People’s Conference held in Mutare, where the ruling party resolved to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure from 2028 to 2030.
The opposition party ZNRP argues that this move represents a blatant assault on Zimbabwe’s constitutional order, democratic integrity, and the will of the people.
In a press statement released after the ZNRP national executive meeting, party president Amon Maisvoreva decried the resolution as “a constitutional coup and mutilation of the people’s will, designed to entrench Zanu PF’s grip on power and undermine the democratic rights of the people and sovereignty of our nation.”
Maisvoreva further stated, “we reject this move in the strongest possible terms and call upon all progressive Zimbabweans to stand united against this brazen attempt to subvert our democracy and daylight robbery of the people’s will.”
Zanu PF secretary for legal affairs and justice munister Ziyambi Ziyambi, formally tabled the resolution in Mutare, and it was adopted unanimously by delegates.
The plan directs the ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs to “initiate the requisite legislative amendments” to give effect to the extension.
Ziyambi said the party and government should urgently implement the resolution before the next conference.
The same resolution sets a deadline for next October (2026) to complete the legal process.
ZNRP warns that this effort to prolong Mnangagwa’s presidency not only violates the 2013 Constitution, which limits a president to two five-year terms, but also erodes the trust in public institutions and the rule of law.
The party argues that presidential term limits are essential to prevent authoritarianism, promote regular leadership renewal, and preserve accountability.
Maisvoreva’s statement further warns of severe economic repercussions if the amendment succeeds.
“Investors favor stable, predictable democratic environments,” he said, noting that undermining term limits could discourage foreign investment, damage economic growth, and deepen unemployment and inequality.
He insisted that Zimbabwe’s future must not be mortgaged for the ambitions of a ruling elite.
On the international front, ZNRP cautioned that the proposed amendment could isolate Zimbabwe.
The party invoked the standards of regional bodies, noting that both the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) promote democratic governance and respect for constitutional term limits.
Maisvoreva said that disregard for these norms threatens Zimbabwe’s standing and cooperation regionally and globally.
In its call to action, the ZNRP appealed to other political stakeholders, opposition parties, civil society organisations, trade unions, youth movements, and the international community to join in resisting the extension.
“We will resist this move meant to cause chaos in our motherland and fight for a brighter future for all Zimbabweans,” Maisvoreva declared.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to a democratic Zimbabwe where leadership is genuinely determined by free and fair elections, not internal party resolutions.
“The will of the people, as expressed through free and fair elections, should determine the leadership of our beloved Zimbabwe,” he said, pledging that ZNRP will mobilise with all democratic forces to oppose what it regards as an unconstitutional power grab.
