Key Points
- Zanu PF holds nationwide meetings to support Mnangagwa’s extended tenure.
- Resistance within the party highlights growing divisions over the ED2030 agenda.
- Legal and constitutional challenges pose significant barriers to term extension.
Zanu PF has launched a nationwide inter-district campaign to build momentum for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure extension beyond 2028. The initiative dubbed the “ED2030 Agenda,” aims to solidify support for Mnangagwa’s leadership while exposing internal resistance within the ruling party.
The campaign has sparked fierce debates and divisions, particularly between Mnangagwa’s loyalists and factions supporting Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
Nationwide meetings push ED2030 agenda
Zanu PF provincial chairpersons have coordinated meetings across the country to galvanize support for Mnangagwa’s continued leadership. Key messages have focused on aligning party structures with the “2030 Vision” and addressing dissenting voices within the party.
Although Mnangagwa has publicly stated his intention to step down after his current term, party officials are reportedly working to amend the constitution to allow for an extension.
According to a report by Newsday, Mashonaland East Provincial Chairperson Daniel Garwe urged party leaders to ensure consistent messaging during inter-district meetings.
“The Constitution is about compliance,” Garwe said, “but the vision comes from God. It’s up to others to handle compliance while we focus on the vision.”
In Masvingo, Provincial Chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa acknowledged divisions over the agenda but encouraged leaders to explain its merits to the grassroots.
“No one disputed the resolution that the President should remain in office,” Mavhenyengwa said.
Internal resistance and legal hurdles
While the campaign is gaining traction, it faces opposition from party members aligned with Chiwenga, who view the push as undermining democratic principles.
Zanu PF’s Secretary for Legal Affairs Patrick Chinamasa has warned of constitutional challenges, including the need for a national referendum to amend term limits.
The legal implications have fueled speculation that the campaign could deepen internal discord within Zanu PF.
“There are overzealous individuals pretending to support the President while distorting the resolution’s intent,” Mavhenyengwa added.
Poor attendance and mixed reactions
Despite the coordinated effort, some meetings, particularly in Harare and Mashonaland East, reported low turnout. Insiders suggest the poor attendance reflects growing skepticism within the party. In Chitungwiza and Bikita, additional meetings were held to address the concerns of local party members.
Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa dismissed claims of discord, emphasizing the meetings’ focus on strengthening party structures.
“These gatherings are routine and meant to address issues affecting our people,” Mutsvangwa said.
A controversial path forward
While Mnangagwa maintains his stance as a constitutionalist, the campaign to extend his tenure highlights the growing tension between party loyalty and democratic governance. As Zanu PF navigates internal divisions and legal challenges, the push for the ED2030 Agenda raises critical questions about Zimbabwe’s political future.
Mnangagwa’s eventual decision will shape not only the ruling party’s unity but also the nation’s democratic trajectory leading up to 2030.
