President Emmerson Mnangagwa has maintained his stance on not running for re-election in 2028. However, ZANU PF officials continue to call for an extension of the term limits for the party’s First Secretary and Head of State, advocating for Mnangagwa’s leadership to continue beyond the current constitutional limit.

During the ZANU PF People’s National Conference, senior party official and head of the law department, Mr. Patrick Chinamasa, announced the party’s first resolution, which reflected unanimous agreement among all provincial and thematic committees within ZANU PF that Mnangagwa’s term should extend until 2030. Despite this internal support, Mr. Chinamasa revealed that in multiple discussions, Mnangagwa reiterated his commitment to step down after completing his two-term limit, describing himself as a “constitutionalist.”

“Cde Chinamasa says that this resolution cannot be implemented without President Mnangagwa’s express consent as the President has previously indicated that he does not wish to extend his term of office.” read a statement on ZanuPF’s X account.

Addressing thousands of ZANU PF members gathered at the National People’s Conference in Bulawayo on October 26, Chinamasa emphasized that President Mnangagwa, as one of the drafters of Zimbabwe’s current constitution, wishes to adhere strictly to the law. Mnangagwa has expressed that he does not want to contravene the very constitution he helped craft.

Nevertheless, ZANU PF has indicated plans to seek an amendment to the constitution, both through parliamentary channels and potentially via a national referendum, to enable a possible extension.

Several African leaders have similarly amended their countries’ constitutions to extend their terms in office. Notable examples include President Paul Kagame in Rwanda, President Paul Biya in Cameroon, President Azali Assoumani in Comoros, and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. The late Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza controversially sought a third term despite constitutional restrictions, ultimately amending the law for a potential fourth term, although he passed away shortly after the amendment.

In Namibia, when President Sam Nujoma completed his second term in 1995, an amendment was proposed by the ruling party, allowing him to serve a third term until 2000. In Zambia, former President Frederick Chiluba attempted to secure a third term but did not succeed.