Mnangagwa's Third-Term Bid Triggers Constitutional Crisis as Opposition MPs Revolt
President Emmerson Mnangagwa faces mounting political turmoil as Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 sparks rebellion among opposition lawmakers and raises concerns about Zimbabwe's democratic trajectory, with observers warning of parallels to the Mugabe era.
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Zimbabwe has plunged into constitutional uncertainty following the gazetting of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which critics argue paves the way for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his tenure beyond the two-term limit enshrined in the 2013 Constitution. The proposed amendments have fractured the opposition and triggered warnings about the erosion of democratic institutions in the southern African nation.
Five Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) lawmakers from Matabeleland South have openly defied their party leadership by rejecting support for the constitutional amendments, according to reports from Bulawayo24. The rebellion represents a significant crack in opposition ranks, particularly as it involves members from a region historically critical of centralised power in Harare. The legislators' stance contradicts a decision by Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-proclaimed CCC interim secretary-general whose authority remains disputed within the party, to back the amendments.
The Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 has reignited debate over Mnangagwa's commitment to constitutionalism, particularly given his repeated public pledges to respect the two-term presidential limit. Mnangagwa assumed power in November 2017 following a military intervention that ended Robert Mugabe's 37-year rule, and he has since won contested elections in 2018 and 2023. Under the current constitutional framework, his second and final term is scheduled to end in 2028.
However, sources close to the presidency suggest Mnangagwa remains cognisant of the political risks associated with prolonged incumbency. According to Bulawayo24, the president is "acutely aware of the dangers of extended incumbency without popular support," with Mugabe's dramatic downfall serving as a cautionary tale. Mugabe's refusal to relinquish power ultimately led to his removal by the military and ruling ZANU-PF party, a scenario Mnangagwa witnessed firsthand as vice president before his own dismissal weeks before the coup.
The proposed constitutional amendments have drawn criticism from civil society organisations, legal scholars, and international observers who view them as a threat to Zimbabwe's fragile democratic gains. The 2013 Constitution, approved by referendum with overwhelming support, was designed to prevent the concentration of executive power that characterised the Mugabe era. Key provisions include presidential term limits, devolution of power to provincial councils, and strengthened checks and balances.
The revolt by Matabeleland South legislators highlights deeper fractures within Zimbabwe's opposition, which has struggled to present a united front since the disputed 2023 elections. Tshabangu's emergence as a rival power centre within the CCC has resulted in the recall of dozens of opposition legislators and councillors, severely weakening the party's capacity to mount effective parliamentary resistance. The decision by some MPs to break ranks on the constitutional amendments suggests growing frustration with leadership decisions perceived as capitulation to the ruling party.
Regional bodies including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have previously expressed concern about Zimbabwe's adherence to democratic norms, particularly following election observer missions that noted irregularities in the 2023 polls. The constitutional amendment debate occurs against a backdrop of economic crisis, with inflation exceeding 50 percent and widespread shortages of essential goods undermining public confidence in government.
Political analysts warn that any attempt to extend presidential term limits could trigger civil unrest and international isolation. Zimbabwe's history of contested succession has repeatedly destabilised the country, from the liberation war leadership disputes of the 1970s through the violent 2008 election crisis. The prospect of Mnangagwa seeking a third term risks reopening these historical wounds while setting a dangerous precedent for future administrations.
The coming weeks will prove critical as parliament debates the constitutional amendments, which require a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and Senate to pass. The rebellion by CCC legislators, while limited in scope, signals that support for the amendments is not guaranteed even among opposition ranks. Civil society groups have announced plans for public consultations and potential legal challenges should the bill advance through the legislative process.
As Zimbabwe navigates this constitutional crossroads, the shadow of Mugabe's prolonged rule looms large. Whether Mnangagwa heeds the lessons of his predecessor's downfall or pursues an extended tenure remains the defining question of Zimbabwe's political future, with implications extending far beyond the president's personal ambitions to the very foundations of the country's democratic framework.