The Zanu-PF annual conference, kicking off in Mutare, is set to be a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe's political landscape. While officially focused on finding solutions to the country's economic challenges, a key agenda item is the potential extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term beyond 2028, possibly to 2030.
Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has indicated that the party intends to formally endorse this extension at the conference. This follows Resolution Number One, passed at the 21st National People’s Conference in October 2024, which proposed the term extension. The move has ignited debate and divisions within the ruling party.
Mutsvangwa claims strong support from party organs, provinces, and members for Mnangagwa's continued leadership. He quoted the sentiment: “If it ain’t broke, why try to fix it?” He dismissed social media criticism as irrelevant to the party's internal decision-making processes.
The conference, scheduled to run from next Friday until 18 October at the Mutare Polytechnic Pavilion Grounds, is expected to host around 4,000 delegates, including foreign guests. This is a reduction from nearly 7,000 participants in previous years.
Key Conference Focus:
- Endorsement of Mnangagwa's potential term extension to 2030.
- Addressing Zimbabwe's economic challenges.
- Internal party discussions and resolutions.
The outcome of this conference will likely have significant implications for Zimbabwe's political future. Will the party rally behind Mnangagwa's extended tenure, or will internal divisions create further uncertainty? The coming days will be crucial in shaping the direction of Zimbabwean politics.