US Lawmaker Warns Extending Mnangagwa’s Term Would Harm Democracy

Gregory Meeks, a senior member of the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs, has warned that any attempt to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term would undermine Zimbabwe’s democratic foundations.

In a post on X, Meeks reminded that Mnangagwa took an oath to uphold the 2013 Constitution, which includes respecting presidential term limits and strengthening the country’s democratic institutions. Said Meeks:

“President Mnangagwa swore to strengthen the pillars of Zimbabwe’s democracy and accept term limits. Extending his term would erode that foundation.”

In response, Zimbabwe’s Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, said it is inappropriate for foreign lawmakers to make unsolicited interventions in the country’s internal affairs. He said:

“It is inappropriate for foreign lawmakers to make unsolicited interventions (read interferences) in our internal matters, such as Resolution Number 1.

“While personal views are one matter, framing them as a warning to the President is unacceptable.

“Ultimately, it is the will of the Zimbabwean people that determines our nation’s path.”

ZANU-PF Resolution Number 1, passed at the party’s Annual National People’s Conference in October 2024 and reaffirmed at the October 2025 conference, seeks to extend Mnangagwa’s term of office by two years, moving the end date from the current constitutional limit of 2028 to 2030.

The party’s Secretary for Legal Affairs and the Minister of Justice have been specifically tasked with ensuring the full implementation of the resolution ahead of the next National People’s Conference.

The resolution is justified on the grounds of ensuring continuity, stability, and the sustained transformation of the nation under Mnangagwa’s leadership as Zimbabwe works toward its Vision 2030 goal of achieving upper-middle-income status.

ZANU-PF is currently exploring ways to amend two sections of the Zimbabwean Constitution without holding a referendum, in order to secure Mnangagwa’s extended stay.

The two contentious sections are Section 91(2), which sets a two-term limit for the presidency, and Section 328(7), which prohibits an incumbent from benefiting from such amendments.

Related:

CAB3: Why Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 Undermines Democracy CAB4 Loading? Harare Province Wants Mnangagwa As ZANU PF Leader Until 2037, says Masimirembwa