Mike Bimha, the national political commissar of ZANU PF, has stated that the party does not formally recognise the slogan “2030, VaMnangagwa Vanenge Vachipo” (Mnangagwa will still be in office).
The effort, which is credited to a group purportedly supportive of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has raised questions about possible constitutional modifications that would allow Mnangagwa to serve more than two terms.
Mike Bimha explained in an exclusive interview with NewsDay that the phrase, which upholds people’s right to free speech even in the absence of official sanction, did not come from the party’s commissariat.
In response to queries on possible early elections or changes to the Constitution, Bimha reaffirmed the commitment of ZANU PF to the text, stating that elections are planned every five years, with the next one taking place in 2028.
He underlined that the party is prepared for elections and that it is currently concentrating on economic issues and keeping its electoral pledges.
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Mnangagwa’s declaration, “2030 ndeendichipo” (I will still be around in 2030), has sparked discussions over his intentions. Some analysts read it as a personal vow to hold onto office when the current term ends.
Legal experts, however, refer to constitutional clauses that prohibit incumbents from requesting third terms or amending their existing terms in order to prolong their stay.
The Constitution’s Section 91 establishes requirements for presidential candidates, disqualifying those who have served two terms in office.
Furthermore, incumbents are barred from reaping the benefits of any amendment that raises the term limitations for president under Section 328 (7).
This legal precedent upholds the validity of term limits for sitting presidents without making any exceptions, as demonstrated by the case of Mupungu v. Minister of Justice and others (CCZ07/21).
