No Referendum Needed for Presidential Term Extension, Claims Paul Mangwana – Eduzim News

Tinashe Sambiri– ZANU-PF Politburo member Paul Mangwana has sparked criticism after suggesting that President Emmerson Mnangagwa could extend his tenure without consulting the public, raising concerns over the erosion of democratic processes in Zimbabwe.

Speaking at a press conference in Harare on Wednesday, Mangwana, who co-chaired the constitution-making process from 2009 to 2013, argued that a presidential term is only considered valid if it lasts three years or more.

He claimed that any extension shorter than this threshold does not legally constitute a full term.
“The question is whether the incumbent should benefit from the current amendment. A full term is three years or more, so an extension of two years does not count as a term,” Mangwana said.

He further asserted that a referendum is unnecessary for the proposed term extension, insisting that the bill could pass through the standard legislative process.

“This amendment does not require a referendum because it falls within the provisions of the Constitution,” Mangwana said. “The Constitution is a living document; it contains clauses that allow for its own amendment.”

Critics, however, have condemned the comments as an attempt to bypass public scrutiny and weaken Zimbabwe’s constitutional safeguards.

Observers warn that allowing a sitting president to extend tenure without a referendum undermines democratic norms and sets a dangerous precedent.

“The people of Zimbabwe should have a say in any change to presidential term limits,” said a legal analyst who asked not to be named. “Ignoring public participation erodes trust in both the Constitution and the legislature.”

Mangwana’s statements come amid growing concerns that the ruling party is seeking ways to consolidate power without meaningful accountability, further fueling debates over governance and constitutional integrity in the country.

Related