“I will respect the Constitution and not overstay in office” Mnangagwa says
According to reports from Voice of America (VOA), the Zimbabwean leader firmly stated that he would not extend his presidency beyond the two five-year terms allowed by the country’s constitution.
This announcement came during a gathering at the ruling ZANU-PF party headquarters, where supporters had been chanting slogans suggesting Mnangagwa would remain in power until 2030.
Addressing the crowd, Mnangagwa emphasized his commitment to the constitution, saying, “Besides being a soldier, trained lawyer, I am a constitutionalist. I want our party, our leadership, our people to be constitutionalists. We must abide by the provisions of our constitution to the letter.”
He further added in his native Shona language, “When time comes to go home, I will go! Let’s follow the principles of the party.”
This declaration has sparked mixed reactions among Zimbabweans, with some expressing relief and others remaining sceptical.
Kudzai Mutisi, a pro-ZANU-PF political commentator, believes Mnangagwa’s statement should be taken at face value.
“What is important here is that he is addressing some of the people who have been lobbying him to stay beyond 2028,” Mutisi explained.
He added that the president’s position should be respected and adhered to moving forward.
However, not everyone is convinced by Mnangagwa’s words.
Brighton Mutebuka, a lawyer opposed to the ruling party’s views, expressed doubt about the president’s sincerity.
“By coming out publicly to claim otherwise, ED is trying to hoodwink the gullible in his party, the other faction and also SADC,” Mutebuka stated.
He pointed out that Mnangagwa had previously encouraged his Cabinet ministers to pledge loyalty to a “2030 slogan” in Chikomba district.
This scepticism stems from Zimbabwe’s political history, particularly the long rule of former President Robert Mugabe.
Mugabe led the country for nearly four decades before being removed from power with the help of the army in November 2017.
Source : Link