Political Reporter
President Mnangagwa has reiterated for the umpteenth time that he will not extend his tenure beyond his constitutionally mandated two terms, stating unequivocally that he will not be swayed by calls for him to remain in office beyond 2028.
The President made these remarks, yesterday, during an interactive session with editors from public and private media, at State House, in Harare.
The event, facilitated by the Department of Presidential Communications, saw the Head of State tacklingquestions on various national issues, including the growing calls, from some quarters, for him to extend his leadership to 2030.
President Mnangagwa dismissed these calls, reaffirming his commitment to constitutionalism.
“It’s not imaginable that there is anybody in the country who can push me. I am very solid. I have always said I am a constitutionalist. I have my two terms, and when they come to an end, the country and the Party will move on by electing my successor,” he said.
Despite his consistent stance, some members of ZanuPF and sections of the public have been advocating for an extension, citing his contributions to economic growth, infrastructure development, agriculture, and mining.
However, President Mnangagwa made it clear that he will not be influenced by these efforts.
“I thought I was putting it very clearly. I have two terms, and these terms are very definite. When they come to an end, I will step aside, and my Party will elect my successor. That is as clear as day. Those who have other imaginations, it’s a democratic society for people to dream, but facts will carry the day,” he emphasized.
When pressed further on whether he could be persuaded to reconsider his position, the President responded with humor, saying, “I will persuade the persuaders not to persuade me so that I remain constitutional.”
The session also touched on concerns over apparent disrespect towards some members of the Zanu PF leadership, particularly during national events such as the burial of national heroes at the National Heroes Acre. President Mnangagwa brushed off these concerns, saying they were part of a vibrant democracy.
“The foolish and the wise both have their day. Those who are truly Zanu PF at heart go by the rules and decorum of the party. We have other people who are in Zanu PF but in themselves are not Zanu PF; they just wear the regalia. So, when people talk, you must always see which camp they belong to when they open their mouth,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa has remained consistent in his stance on constitutional term limits, emphasizing that he will respect the laws of the land.
His comments reaffirm his commitment to upholding Zimbabwe’s democratic processes, ensuring a smooth transition when his term concludes in 2028.
