by WLC Leadership Council Member – Gladys Hlatywayo
Political Developments
Emmerson Mnangagwa, who came to power via a military coup in 2017 by deposing long-time dictator Robert Mugabe, has tightened his military-authoritarian rule. The elections of 2018 and 2023 were marred by serious irregularities and electoral manipulation. Despite initially promising to be different from Mugabe, Mnangagwa has escalated repression through politically motivated arrests, prolonged detentions, and violent crackdowns on dissent. His administration also thrives on enacting undemocratic laws, such as restricting private correspondence between citizens and foreign governments, further shrinking the democratic space.
Crackdown on Opposition and Civil Society
As Mnangagwa prepares for a term extension, he has intensified efforts to eliminate opposition and civil society resistance. A Private Voluntary Organizations (PVO) Bill is before Parliament and aims to silence human rights and democracy organizations. Despite widespread electoral fraud in the 2023 elections, Mnangagwa failed to secure a two-thirds majority in Parliament. To bypass this, he has sponsored Sengezo Tshabangu, an obscure figure claiming to be the Secretary General of the opposition, to orchestrate the recall of opposition MPs and replace them with loyalists who will support his term extension agenda.
Constitutional Amendments for Term Extension
Mnangagwa’s bid for an extended rule requires two separate constitutional amendments and two referendums:
- A Bill to extend term limits, requiring a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and Lower House, anda referendum.
- A Bill to remove the provision barring an incumbent from benefiting from a term extension, also requiring a two-thirds majority and a separate referendum.
A motion has been drafted and is ready to be pushed through in Parliament when it reopens on February 11.
Internal Party Fractures and Public Resistance
The move to extend Mnangagwa’s rule is not only opposed by Zimbabwean citizens, who vehemently rejected life presidency in the 2013 Constitution, but also by the faction aligned to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, within his ruling ZANU-PF. This internal resistance could undermine Mnangagwa’s strategy.
Outlook
Zimbabwe is at a critical juncture. If these amendments succeed, the country risks further political unrest and repression. Sustained international engagement and domestic resistance will be crucial in preventing authoritarian consolidation in Zimbabwe.
