Mnangagwa is a “passive player” in the third term agenda, says Mutsvangwa

Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has downplayed rumours of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s intentions to extend his term beyond 2028, stating that the President is a “passive player” in the 2030 agenda.

Speaking on the sidelines of a US elections watch party hosted by US Ambassador Pamela Tremont in Harare on Tuesday, Mutsvangwa emphasised that Mnangagwa’s mandate is to govern for five years, not to choose a successor.

Mnangagwa, earlier this year, told the nation that he had no plans to extend his term of office. But he failed to endorse his deputy Constantino Chiwenga, who is considered the frontrunner in the race to replace the Zanu-PF leader.

Mutsvangwa noted that succession was not on Mnangagwa’s agenda, citing the president’s recent election victory and five-year mandate. The party’s focus, he said, remains on implementing its manifesto and building a prosperous Zimbabwe.

“We had an election last year, and the president was chosen. His mandate is to rule for five years,” Mutsvangwa stated.

“Why are we even debating issues about succession? I’m glad that by announcing that he will be around for 2030, we closed out the issue of succession.

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“Let’s concentrate on running the country right now because his mandate is to rule for five years. His mandate is not to choose a successor.”

Asked if the constitution does not allow Mnangagwa to extend his rule beyond 2028, Mutsvangwa said only a referendum, initiated by the people, could allow him to do that. He also acknowledged that Mnangagwa had already indicated that he would be there until 2030.

“The Constitution does not say he can not go up to 2030. The Constitution says you can only go to 2028, and he is in compliance with that constitution,” the outspoken politician stated.

“But by the same token, those who want him to succeed, he is a passive player in that game. Only a referendum, which is the choice of the people foist upon him to be a candidate again. He can’t choose it by himself.

“So, why are we jumping the gun? This is a premature issue. Let’s run the country right now and make Zimbabwe succeed. We are more concerned about making Zimbabwe prosperous.

“You don’t do that by running referendums everyday. You concentrate on making the country investable. We want American money and investors. We want Indian investors.

“We want Chinese investors. We want Turkish investors. We want European investors. That’s what will make Zimbabwe prosperous. That is our focus right now. Why do you want to try to foist upon us an issue of succession, which is premature?”

Mutsvangwa’s comments come amid speculation about Mnangagwa’s plans after his second term ends in 2028.

Some party members have been pushing for an extension of his term. But the President has failed to stop them, raising suspicions that he could be supporting the idea.