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Christian Leaders in Zimbabwe Appeal to President to Resist Calls to Extend Term Limit

Credit: ZHOCD

Members of the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) have expressed concern over recent calls by Members of Parliament and political activists for President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa to extend his term in office.

In October 2024, at a conference that was organized by the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party, delegates from all ten provinces of the country unanimously endorsed a resolution to amend the constitution, allowing President Mnangagwa to serve until 2030.

On January 14, the ZANU-PF party reaffirmed the intentions to prolong President Mnangagwa’s term by an additional two years, extending it to 2030. Party spokesperson Farai Marapira is said to have confirmed the decision but did not provide specifics on the method for achieving the extension.

Legal experts in Zimbabwe have highlighted the complexities involved in amending presidential term limits. Such changes would necessitate multiple constitutional amendments and likely require referendums, making the process both legally and politically challenging.

Weighing in on the resolution, Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC), the country’s main opposition party, resolved not to stand in the way of calls for the president to extend his tenure.

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In their January 21 statement, the Zimbabwe Church leaders emphasized their commitment to promoting democratic values, constitutionalism, and the rule of law and urged the President to support a peaceful transition of power in 2028 through free, fair, and credible elections.

ZHOCD officials further warned that extending presidential term limits could erode public trust in Zimbabwe's electoral processes and destabilize the country during a crucial period for economic and social transformation.

“As the Church, we emphasize the importance of implementing electoral reforms and ensuring regular free, and fair elections to ensure accountability, transparency, and the peaceful transfer of power,” they said.

They added, “We urge the government to adhere to the electoral timelines as stipulated in the Constitution and ensure that all elections are conducted in a transparent, credible, and peaceful manner.”

The Christian leaders appealed to the president to uphold the constitution by not only respecting the presidential term limit but by also ensuring that elections are held in 2028 and that he supports a smooth power transition in 2028.

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They urged the people of God in the Southern African nation “to pronounce themselves in support of the call to put Zimbabwe first and uphold the Constitution of the Country.” 

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.