What You Need to Know
Veterans of Zimbabwe’s liberation war have filed a lawsuit challenging proposed constitutional amendments that would extend the presidential term from five to seven years. The amendments would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030, raising concerns about the democratic process and succession within the ruling party.
Africa-Press. Veterans of the Zimbabwe Liberation War have filed a lawsuit challenging proposed constitutional amendments that would extend the presidential term from five to seven years, allowing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030.
Mnangagwa, who is 83 years old, was scheduled to step down in 2028 after serving two five-year terms. The ruling ZANU-PF party is currently experiencing a succession struggle.
The president came to power following a military coup in 2017 that ousted former leader Robert Mugabe, who had ruled for 37 years with strong support from veterans who helped him defeat white minority rule before independence from Britain in 1980.
The lawsuit, filed by six veterans, claims that the amendments, which also include a provision for the president to be elected by parliament instead of through direct popular vote, are unconstitutional.
Court documents state: “The bill seeks, in its substance and effect, to extend the current term of the first defendant… This constitutional violation is compounded by the clear intention not to hold a referendum, despite the entrenched constitutional guarantees against any unilateral change in the democratic framework of the term.”
Zimbabwean government spokesperson Nick Mangwana stated, “The individuals who have approached the court are merely six among thousands of veterans in this country.” He added that they have “the right to represent themselves and express their personal views.”
Lawyer Lovemore Maduku, representing the veterans, argued that the government’s move to amend the constitution and present it for parliamentary voting—where it would face little opposition from the ZANU-PF majority controlling both houses—rather than holding a referendum, constitutes a breach of constitutional norms. He added, “If the court agrees, the veterans will seek a court order to nullify the bill.”
Zimbabwe has experienced significant political turmoil since its independence from British rule in 1980. The country was led by Robert Mugabe for 37 years, during which he received strong support from war veterans who fought against colonial rule. In 2017, Emmerson Mnangagwa came to power following a military coup that ousted Mugabe, leading to ongoing debates about governance and constitutional integrity in the nation.
