By Ebi Kesiena
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has firmly dismissed calls for a third term, stating that he will step down at the end of his current tenure in 2028, in adherence to the country’s constitutional limits.
Speaking to a group of editors in Harare, Mnangagwa reiterated his commitment to stepping aside after completing two terms, ensuring the election of a new leader.
“I have my two terms, and when the time comes, the country and the party will move on by electing my successor,” he stated at State House.
“I have made it clear that my tenure is limited to two terms. When they end, I will step aside, and my party will choose a new leader. That is as clear as day. Those who think otherwise are free to dream, we live in a democracy.”
This statement is the latest in a series of public reassurances from Mnangagwa that he will not seek an extension beyond his second term, despite persistent efforts from some within his ZANU PF party to push for constitutional amendments extending his presidency until 2030.
Meanwhile, the proposed extension has sparked opposition from war veterans, civil society groups, religious leaders, and even some members of ZANU PF, who argue that such a move would undermine Zimbabwe’s democratic principles.
