Zanu-PF has denied rumours that, among other things, its upcoming annual people’s conference, which is set for the end of the month, will support President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s alleged attempts to win a third term.
Instead of holding its conference in December as is customary, Zanu-PF will have its meeting in Gweru from October 28 to 29. In addition, President Mnangagwa has ordered that the delegation be whittled down from the 4,000 that came last year to fewer than 3,000.
As allowed by the nation’s constitution, President Mnangagwa is presently serving his second and last term. He came to office in 2017 following a military coup.
President Mnangagwa has not officially stated his plans for the future of his political career, but there are strong hints that his recent measures might be seen as an attempt to solidify his position and possibly open the door for a third term campaign.
Mnangagwa has mainly kept his existing cabinet in place despite the contentious election results in August. He has also backed the recall of more than a dozen opposition lawmakers by endorsing recall motions filed by a person posing as the interim secretary-general of the CCC.
A two-thirds majority vote in parliament would be necessary for any attempt to achieve a third term, which would necessitate a constitutional revision.
Even with all of its MPs voting in favour, Zanu-PF was unable to secure the two-thirds majority needed to pass any constitutional modifications in the August elections.
President Mnangagwa has carefully appointed supporters to important positions, such as Chief Justice, Attorney General, Prosecutor General, and Speaker of the National Assembly, in order to protect his position.
Insiders close to Zanu-PF claim that President Mnangagwa is also taking advantage of the impending conference to intimidate and expel party dissidents.
These allegations were refuted by acting Zanu-PF information director Farai Marapira, who said that they sprang from a misinterpretation of the differences between a conference and a congress.
He explained, saying, “These accusations are the result of a misunderstanding of the language. The people putting up these assertions are unaware of the distinction between a Zanu-PF congress and a conference. There will be a conference this year, where individuals will congregate. Elections and party leadership changes are not planned. We are unable to address claims of internal tensions made by outside parties on behalf of Zanu-PF. We should treat these rumours with the contempt they merit.
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