ZIMBABWE’S opposition and civic groups have warned that they are prepared to legally challenge any attempt to amend the Constitution to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term beyond the current limit.
The move comes after government officials confirmed that a draft Constitutional Amendment Bill is ready for Cabinet and parliamentary consideration. Critics say the proposed changes are a partisan effort to extend Mnangagwa’s rule to 2030, a move they argue will violate the 2013 Constitution, undermine democracy and threaten national stability.
Under the banner of the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF), convened by former Finance Minister Tendai Biti, the group said they are “ready, legally, civically and peacefully” to oppose what they describe as a political project designed to override constitutional safeguards. CDF cited sections 91, 95 and 328, which govern presidential term limits and amendment procedures, as clear barriers to any such extension.
Mnangagwa has repeatedly said he is a constitutionalist and will leave office when his tenure ends in 2028.
“The Constitution Defenders Forum is on high alert. We are ready, legally, civically and peacefully to confront and resist any attempt to mutilate the Constitution,” the movement said.
“The defence of constitutionalism is not optional; it is a duty. History will judge harshly those who choose personal power over national principle. The Constitution will be defended. Power belongs to the people.”
The group dismissed claims by ruling party officials that there are no legal barriers to such changes, arguing that party resolutions cannot override the Constitution and that Parliament should not be reduced to a rubber stamp for partisan interests.
The forum warned that efforts to alter term limits risk undermining democratic legitimacy and national stability.
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“CDF dismisses these Zanu PF games with the contempt they deserve,” the group said. “Zimbabwe is not owned by any political party, individual or clique. The Constitution belongs to the people, not to those who temporarily occupy office. We warn all those involved in this scheme that citizens are alert, organised and resolute."
The warning comes amid growing political activity by some of Mnangagwa’s close allies, who have in recent months been running campaigns to mobilise grassroots support for extending the President’s term beyond the constitutionally-mandated two terms.
Among the 2030 agenda supporters is presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara, who has been linked to pro-2030 mobilisation efforts.
His recent remarks suggesting that Mnangagwa’s continued rule was “ordained by God” have sparked widespread criticism from civic groups and opposition figures.
Opposition and civic organisation leaders have also weighed in challenging the 2030 move, dismissing Zanu PF’s attempts to justify unconstitutional extensions of power through religious language.
“Zimbabwe is a constitutional republic, not a theocracy,” opposition politician Jameson Timba said.
“The authority to govern this country does not flow from divine pronouncements, personal beliefs or spiritual claims. It flows from the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the sovereign will of the people, expressed through regular, free and fair elections.”
He criticised remarks attributed to Tungwarara that framed Mnangagwa’s leadership as divinely ordained until 2030, arguing that cloaking political ambitions in religious rhetoric undermines both democracy and faith.
“History teaches us that when political power claims divine entitlement, accountability collapses, corruption flourishes and citizens are reduced from rights-holders to subjects,” Timba said.
“Zimbabwe deliberately rejected that path when it adopted a people-driven Constitution in 2013. Equally important, ethical leadership is not tested by proclamations of anointment. It is tested by obedience to limits. Term limits are the ultimate test of ethical leadership.”
Zanu PF’s national people’s conference last year directed the party and government to pursue legislative amendments to extend Mnangagwa’s tenure, instructing the party’s legal secretary and Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi to ensure the resolution’s implementation.
