Zimbabwe's ruling party sets sights on extending Emmerson Mnangagwa's presidency by two years, potentially keeping him in power until 2030.
In a move that has sparked intense debate within the ruling ZANU-PF party, delegates at the movement's annual conference in the eastern city of Mutare have instructed the government to begin drafting legislation to amend the Constitution and extend Mnangagwa's term by two years.
The plan was met with applause from loyalists, but not everyone is pleased. Rivals within the party, led by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, are openly resisting an extension of Mnangagwa's presidency, calling it a "dangerous unconstitutional anti-people agenda".
Critics accuse ZANU-PF of using this plan as a way to consolidate power and crush dissent, following years of hyperinflation, mass unemployment, and allegations of corruption. They warn that any attempt to rewrite the Constitution will face resistance in court.
In response to concerns over economic stability, Mnangagwa's administration has been under fire for its handling of the country's dire economic situation. According to critics, his government has presided over a disastrous collapse marked by hyperinflation, mass unemployment, and allegations of corruption.
As tensions escalate, opposition figures have vowed to challenge any attempt to extend Mnangagwa's presidency through court, stating that they will "defend the Constitution against its capture and manipulation".
Meanwhile, internal power struggles within ZANU-PF continue to intensify, with some factions pushing for a prolonged stay in office by loyalists like Emmerson Mnangagwa. Others are preparing the ground for Chiwenga, who played a key role in toppling President Robert Mugabe in 2017.
With mass protests having gained little traction and police deployments heavy in major cities, it remains to be seen whether Zimbabwe's opposition can successfully challenge the ruling party's bid to extend Mnangagwa's term.
In a move that has sparked intense debate within the ruling ZANU-PF party, delegates at the movement's annual conference in the eastern city of Mutare have instructed the government to begin drafting legislation to amend the Constitution and extend Mnangagwa's term by two years.
The plan was met with applause from loyalists, but not everyone is pleased. Rivals within the party, led by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, are openly resisting an extension of Mnangagwa's presidency, calling it a "dangerous unconstitutional anti-people agenda".
Critics accuse ZANU-PF of using this plan as a way to consolidate power and crush dissent, following years of hyperinflation, mass unemployment, and allegations of corruption. They warn that any attempt to rewrite the Constitution will face resistance in court.
In response to concerns over economic stability, Mnangagwa's administration has been under fire for its handling of the country's dire economic situation. According to critics, his government has presided over a disastrous collapse marked by hyperinflation, mass unemployment, and allegations of corruption.
As tensions escalate, opposition figures have vowed to challenge any attempt to extend Mnangagwa's presidency through court, stating that they will "defend the Constitution against its capture and manipulation".
Meanwhile, internal power struggles within ZANU-PF continue to intensify, with some factions pushing for a prolonged stay in office by loyalists like Emmerson Mnangagwa. Others are preparing the ground for Chiwenga, who played a key role in toppling President Robert Mugabe in 2017.
With mass protests having gained little traction and police deployments heavy in major cities, it remains to be seen whether Zimbabwe's opposition can successfully challenge the ruling party's bid to extend Mnangagwa's term.