UZA Opposes Zanu PF’s Plan to Extend Mnangagwa’s Term

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Own Correspondent

Constance Zuni

The leader of United Alliance Zimbabwe (UZA), Elizabeth Valerio, on Saturday criticized both Zanu PF and the opposition CCC’s plans to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term in office, asserting that the move violates the constitution.

Valerio is not the first opposition leader to oppose the 2030 plan. Recently, the MDC threatened to mobilize the masses to block Zanu PF and the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) from deferring the 2028 general elections to 2030.

Addressing journalists in Chinhoyi, Valerio urged the ruling party to respect the constitution and desist from involving Zimbabweans in their factional disputes. She added UZA is ready for the 2028 plebiscite.

“The government needs to respect the constitution of Zimbabwe. We do not want to see a Zimbabwe where the rights of the people are being taken away. In 2028, we expect to go to the elections and have the opportunity to register our candidates and select a new president for Zimbabwe, which is our constitutional right. We are asking those in Zanu PF to keep their factional fights to themselves and not involve the nation,” she said.

“If you ask around, no one wants 2030. We are tired, and we don’t want to be lied to. The youth want employment, and the voice of the citizens is clear,” added Valerio, who contested in the 2023 election as the only female candidate.

Meanwhile, the ruling party is currently divided. One faction is pushing for the postponement of the 2028 elections to enable Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030, while another faction backing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga insists on adhering to the constitution.

During a Zanu PF press conference in Harare yesterday, party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa denied factionalism within the ruling party, stressing that “he is focusing on things which have consequences.”

Although the issue of extending presidential term limits has ignited a heated debate in the country’s political sphere, President Emmerson Mnangagwa publicly stated late last year he has no plans to extend his term when it ends in 2028.