Critics Warn Mnangagwa’s 2035 Remark Signals Further Power Extension Push
HARARE — Opposition figures, activists and independent analysts on Wednesday warned that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s suggestion he will still hold office in 2035 marks the opening of a new phase in efforts to prolong his rule, following the recent constitutional changes that already pushed his term to 2030.
The comments, made during the official opening of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo in Masvingo, came just two months after Mnangagwa signed the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act into law.
That legislation extended presidential, parliamentary and local authority terms from five to seven years, postponed the next general elections to 2030, and replaced direct popular election of the president with selection by a joint sitting of Parliament.
In his address, Mnangagwa noted that the tourism expo would return to Masvingo after rotating through the country’s provinces over nine years and added that he would still be in power at that time, while expressing uncertainty about whether others present would remain.
The remark was delivered in a light tone but has been treated by many observers as a deliberate signal rather than casual humour.
Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, who first highlighted the comments widely on social media, noted that similar statements once dismissed as jokes later became formal policy.
“In Zimbabwe, jokes about extending presidential power have a habit of becoming law,” he wrote, pointing to the earlier “2030” campaign that began as slogan before being enacted.
Supporters within Zanu-PF circles echoed and amplified the message.
One party-aligned commentator declared Mnangagwa would remain until at least 2037, while others framed continued leadership as essential for completing national development goals.
Controversial Zanu-PF figure Killer Zivhu had separately suggested discussion of a successor should wait until after 2037.
Critics argue the pattern is clear: an idea is floated publicly, loyalists repeat it, and institutional changes follow.
The latest constitutional amendments already concentrated more power in the executive, expanded presidential appointments to the Senate, and removed the direct presidential ballot.
Opponents say the 2035 reference raises the prospect of yet another round of changes after 2030, potentially resetting term limits or further delaying competitive elections.
No official government statement has clarified the precise intent behind the remarks or ruled out further constitutional adjustments.
The tourism expo continued in Masvingo amid the political fallout, with organisers focusing on attracting investment and buyers to the province’s heritage and natural attractions.
Political analysts note that Mnangagwa, now in his mid-80s, faces internal succession pressures within Zanu-PF, including from Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s camp, which has previously resisted earlier term-extension efforts.
The 2035 comment is likely to intensify those tensions while testing the willingness of civil society and the fragmented opposition to mobilise against further entrenchment of executive power.