The most recent Afrobarometer survey in Zimbabwe reveals that a significant majority of Zimbabweans—79%—are in favor of constitutional restrictions that limit the president to two five-year terms.
The findings indicate robust backing for the existing constitutional framework regarding presidential term limits. Support for these limits is more pronounced among men (81%) compared to women (76%), and among urban dwellers (85%) versus their rural counterparts (74%).
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Additionally, the level of education plays a crucial role in shaping opinions on term limits. Support rises from 69% among individuals with primary education or less to 87% among those with tertiary education.
The survey also highlights that approximately 68% of Zimbabweans advocate for a multiparty political system, which they believe is essential for giving voters a choice in leadership.
Support for this political competition is notably higher among the educated (80%) and those living in urban areas (71%), compared to 60-66% among individuals with secondary education or lower and 65% in rural areas.
Only 20% of respondents expressed support for abolishing term limits, while a mere 1% either did not know or chose not to answer.
Regionally, Mashonaland West displays the highest support for multiparty competition at 85%, whereas Harare lags behind with only 59%.
Conducted by the Afrobarometer team in Zimbabwe, under the guidance of the Mass Public Opinion Institute (MPOI), the survey involved face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adult citizens between June 1 and June 15, 2024.
Overall, the Afrobarometer results indicate strong public resistance to any attempts to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond the constitutionally established two-term limit, particularly among the more educated and urban segments of the population.
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