Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Douglas Mwonzora has sharply criticised President Emmerson Mnangagwa, calling him “ungrateful” in response to reports that ZANU PF is pushing for constitutional changes to allow the president to remain in office beyond 2028.
Although Mnangagwa has publicly denied any desire to extend his rule, growing evidence suggests that his party is working behind the scenes to change key constitutional clauses — particularly Section 91(2), which limits a president to two terms, and Section 328(7), which prevents an incumbent from personally benefiting from such changes.
Speaking at a recent press briefing in Harare, Mwonzora expressed strong opposition to the idea of giving Mnangagwa — who will be in his 80s by the next election — another term in office.
“Why should we consider giving President Mnangagwa, who is already 83, yet another term? He’s held government positions since 1980 — first as a minister, and then as president after completing Mugabe’s term and serving two full terms of his own. Wanting more would be nothing short of ungrateful,” said Mwonzora.
ZANU PF’s recent annual conference in Mutare reinforced the party’s commitment to pursuing amendments that could pave the way for Mnangagwa to extend his presidency past 2028 — a move that has sparked intense criticism from opposition leaders and civil society alike.
Mwonzora questioned the rationale behind keeping Mnangagwa in office, arguing that the country has little to show for his years in power.
“There’s been no meaningful change under his leadership. Ordinary Zimbabweans remain trapped in poverty despite claims of economic growth. Many families are struggling to afford even one meal per day, and unemployment remains widespread. What, then, is the justification for giving him more time in power?”
The MDC leader also took aim at an alleged ZANU PF-backed initiative known as the Breaking Barriers Initiative (BBI) — a controversial proposal that, according to a leaked document attributed to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, aims to delay elections and extend the current Parliament’s term until 2030.
While its backers present the BBI as a national stability project intended to move the country beyond “divisive elections,” critics see it as a strategy to entrench power and sidestep democratic processes.
Mwonzora warned that any effort to tamper with the 2013 Constitution — which was endorsed by an overwhelming majority in a national referendum — would be a betrayal of the people’s will.
“The MDC played a significant role in crafting that Constitution, and we listened to the voices of Zimbabweans across the country. The message was clear: citizens want presidential term limits. You govern, possibly get re-elected for a second term, and then you step aside. That’s how democracy works. We firmly reject the so-called 2030 agenda.”
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