Another big fight brews in Zanu PF over plot to extend President Mnangagwa’s rule: Is this Chiwenga’s last hope?

The ruling Zanu PF party in Zimbabwe is facing internal friction following a resolution by its Harare provincial branch to endorse President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030. The proposal includes delaying the party’s National People’s Congress, originally scheduled for 2027, until 2030.

The resolution, adopted at an inter-district meeting in Harare, designates President Mnangagwa as the province’s preferred candidate for party leader at the postponed congress. Godwills Masimirembwa, the Zanu PF Harare provincial chairman, stated that the province intends for the President to remain in his current role until the next congress.

This development follows the passage of Constitution Amendment Act No. 3, which extended the national electoral cycle from five to seven years. The amendment, which was passed by Parliament and the Senate, shifts the next general election to 2030 and allows for the President to be elected by Parliament rather than through a direct popular vote.

Supporters of the 2030 plan argue that the party’s internal electoral cycle should be aligned with the new national constitutional framework to ensure institutional continuity. Political analyst Rashweat Mukundu noted that it is logical for a party candidate to hold both the national and party mandate over the same period, adding that the constitutional changes have already been enacted.

However, the proposal has faced criticism from both within and outside the party. Opponents argue that a provincial resolution lacks the authority to alter the tenure of a party leader or postpone an elective congress, which they contend is the responsibility of the congress itself. Some critics have alleged that provincial structures are being influenced by financial incentives to support the postponement, and that the party’s leadership may attempt to use the politburo or central committee to bypass the congress.

Farai Marapira, the director of information for Zanu PF, stated that the provincial process is consistent with party procedures. He explained that provinces are entitled to submit resolutions for consideration at the annual National People’s Conference in Chinhoyi, where they may be debated and potentially adopted as official party policy.

The debate over the 2030 timeline is widely viewed as a significant factor in the ongoing succession struggle within Zanu PF, particularly regarding the ambitions of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga. Observers suggest that delaying the congress could consolidate the influence of President Mnangagwa’s political network and postpone the succession contest.

Political commentator Ruben Mbofana warned that relying on administrative bodies to adjust leadership timelines could weaken internal party democracy. The constitutional amendment itself has drawn opposition from various groups, including opposition politicians, trade unions, and human rights organizations, who characterize the changes as an effort to extend the President’s control over the state and the ruling party.

The upcoming National People’s Conference in Chinhoyi is expected to be the venue where the party determines whether the 2030 proposal will be formally adopted.

Article and image source: myzimbabwe.co.zw