Harare, Zimbabwe – (African Boulevard News) – Speculation is mounting in Zimbabwe about the possibility of President Emmerson Mnangagwa seeking a third term in office, even before completing his second term. This comes amidst concerns from critics who believe that Mnangagwa’s administration has not done enough to address the country’s economic woes and ensure transparent and fair elections.
Mnangagwa, who assumed office in November 2017 after a military coup ousted former President Robert Mugabe, was elected for his first term in July 2018. According to the Zimbabwean Constitution, a president can serve a maximum of two terms, with each term lasting five years. However, Mnangagwa’s supporters argue that his first term should not be counted towards the two-term limit as he served the remainder of Mugabe’s term.
“You have someone who has been a political understudy of Robert Mugabe so all the negative things you can talk about Zimbabwean politics, Mnangagwa has grown up with that system and so now that he is in power, people are saying, ‘Are we really seeing a change?’,” said political analyst Charles Mangongera in an interview with African Boulevard News.
Critics argue that Mnangagwa’s government has failed to deliver on its promises of economic revival, with inflation soaring to over 800% in 2020, making the Zimbabwean dollar one of the world’s weakest currencies. The country also faces persistent power outages, food shortages, and a lack of foreign investment.
Despite these challenges, Mnangagwa’s ruling party, the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), has remained steadfast in its support for him. ZANU-PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo dismissed the speculation about a third term, stating that Mnangagwa’s focus is on fulfilling his current term and delivering on his promises to the people of Zimbabwe.
“I think it is preposterous to be talking about a third term when the president is still in his second term. President Mnangagwa’s administration is working tirelessly to address the challenges facing the country and create a better future for all Zimbabweans,” Moyo said in an interview with African Boulevard News.
However, Mnangagwa’s critics fear that if he were to seek a third term, it could further erode democracy in Zimbabwe and consolidate his power. They argue that the country needs fresh leadership and a change in direction to overcome its current economic and political challenges.
The next presidential election in Zimbabwe is scheduled to take place in 2023. As the speculation about a potential third term for Mnangagwa grows, it remains to be seen whether he will seek re-election and how the electorate will respond.
For more information on the speculation about a possible Mnangagwa third term, visit:
https://www.africanews.com/2023/08/21/zimbabwe-speculations-about-a-mnangagwa-third-term-grow-even-before-vote-for-second-term/
