Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s bid for a third term in office is facing “almost impossible” legal and political obstacles, according to renowned constitutional law expert Professor Lovemore Madhuku.
Mnangagwa’s current term ends in 2028, and his attempts to extend his rule have been met with resistance from various quarters, including Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is reportedly the frontrunner in the race to replace Mnangagwa.
In a recent media interview, Madhuku stated that while it is legally possible to pursue a third term, the process is extremely challenging.
It would require publishing a bill to amend the constitution, followed by a 90-day debate period for Zimbabweans to discuss and debate the proposal.
The bill would then need to secure a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and Senate, and finally, a national referendum would require a majority vote in favour.
This complex process makes it “almost impossible” for Mnangagwa to succeed in his third-term ambitions, Madhuku noted.
“It is almost impossible. Legally, yes, you can go through the steps. But once you know what those steps are, you realise that it is almost impossible,” Madhuku said.
“The steps will require a publication of the first bill where they seek to amend the constitution. You give Zimbabweans, generally 90 days to debate it. So, ordinary people will have to be debating it and saying it and so on within 90 day period.
“Thereafter, take it to parliament, it must get two thirds majority both in the National Assembly and Senate and thereafter there must be a referendum which we then vote a yes with a majority. Now, that also tells you that it will be very difficult.”
The push for a third term has already sparked intense debate and infighting within Zanu-PF, with some officials allegedly backing Chiwenga’s presidential aspirations.
The party’s recent conference in Bulawayo exposed deep divisions, with Mnangagwa loyalists forcing through a resolution calling for constitutional amendments to remove term limits.
However, Mnangagwa has publicly stated that he will not accept the recommendation, citing his role in drafting the constitution and his commitment to upholding its provisions.
The situation remains fluid, with many observing that the outcome will depend on negotiations among key stakeholders, including the military, which has significant influence in Zimbabwean politics.