Opposition leader Fadzayi Mahere has strongly condemned the “ED2030” initiative, which aims to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule beyond the constitutional two-term limit, pushing his tenure from 2028 to 2030, or even 2033 in some proposals.
In the past few days, supporters of the ED2030 agenda have suggested extending Mnangagwa’s presidency even further, potentially granting him a third term.
In response to Information Minister Jenfan Muswere’s defense of the proposal, Mahere dismissed it as “patently nonsensical.” She criticized the agenda, claiming it was being pushed by a small group of ZANU PF power brokers seeking to prolong their “incompetent and corrupt rule.”
Mahere’s comments come as ZANU PF intensifies its efforts to extend Mnangagwa’s presidency, a move the opposition leader sees as a violation of Zimbabwe’s democratic principles and the will of its citizens.
In a social media post, Mahere rejected claims that opposition to the extension is driven by Western influence. She asserted that Zimbabweans are fully capable of recognizing unconstitutional power grabs and imperialistic tendencies when they arise.
Earlier this week, Muswere had attacked the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) for their outspoken criticism of the proposed extension, calling the group “donor-funded” and accusing them of not representing the true interests of the Church in Zimbabwe.
In response, Mahere argued that the majority of Zimbabweans oppose the ED2030 plan, emphasizing that the country’s current constitution, which limits presidential terms to two, was overwhelmingly supported by voters in a 2013 referendum.
Mahere echoed the ZHOCD’s warning that extending Mnangagwa’s rule would be a “coup against the constitution.” She reminded Muswere and his supporters that the 2013 Constitution, which enshrines term limits, was passed with the consent of the people, and they have not expressed a desire to change it.
She also reminded Zimbabweans of the reasons behind opposition to Robert Mugabe’s prolonged rule, noting that the push for power retention is reminiscent of Mugabe’s tactics. She concluded with a historical reference, warning that attempts to extend power indefinitely are doomed to fail, as history has shown.
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