Geza Challenges Mnangagwa Amid Rising Zanu PF Tensions

Blessed R. Geza, expelled from Zanu PF, vows to fight for his position and oppose Mnangagwa’s plans for a presidential term extension until 2030. His defiance reflects growing discontent among war veterans and internal factional divides within Zanu PF. Civil society and opposition reject the proposed changes, emphasizing constitutional limits on presidential terms. The push to amend the Constitution raises concerns about the erosion of democracy in Zimbabwe.

Former Zanu PF member Blessed R. Geza has expressed his determination to reclaim his position within the ruling party following his recent expulsion. In a statement, he declared that he will resist President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s efforts to extend his presidency until 2030, stating, “I declare that I’m still Zanu PF and remain Zanu PF to the core.” Geza indicates that opposition to Mnangagwa’s strategies has begun, setting the stage for potential conflict within the party.

Geza’s challenge emerges amid rising dissatisfaction among Zanu PF war veterans, who are perturbed by alleged attempts by Mnangagwa’s faction to extend presidential terms beyond constitutional limits. A proposed change aims to postpone the 2028 elections through constitutional amendments, sparking concerns that this would violate the 2013 Constitution designed to limit presidential terms. Critics, including some war veterans, see the initiative as a threat to constitutional democracy in Zimbabwe.

Internally, Zanu PF is witnessing significant factionalism, particularly between loyalties to Mnangagwa and dissenters aligned with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. Current party dynamics suggest some senior officials may covertly support the war veterans’ position against Mnangagwa’s term extension. Recently, Zanu PF political commissar Munyaradzi Machacha reaffirmed commitment to implementing a resolution for the term extension, disregarding any calls for reconsideration or a referendum.

Civil society and opposition parties have vocally opposed the plans to extend Mnangagwa’s rule, arguing this undermines democracy. Constitutional law expert Lovemore Madhuku highlighted the difficulties of amending the Constitution, asserting that a referendum may reveal widespread public dissent against these proposals, categorizing the amendment process as “next to impossible.”

Geza’s defiance signals escalating tensions within Zanu PF and broader societal unease regarding political stability. As internal factions clash and opposition mounts, the future political landscape of Zimbabwe appears increasingly contentious. The ultimate success or failure of Mnangagwa’s allies in achieving these constitutional changes will be crucial in determining the party’s direction and Zimbabwe’s political narrative going forward.

The context surrounding Geza’s defiance stems from heightened dissent within Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu PF, specifically related to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s proposed extension of his presidential term. This initiative conflicts with the 2013 Constitution, which established term limits to prevent prolonged rule, a response to decades of authoritarian leadership. The internal disagreements reflect broader themes of governance, democracy, and the rule of law in Zimbabwe, as various political factions vie for influence and control.

The unfolding political drama within Zanu PF reveals deep divisions related to leadership and constitutional governance in Zimbabwe. Blessed R. Geza’s challenge against President Mnangagwa encapsulates rising tensions as factions within the party express discontent with attempts to extend presidential terms. As the political landscape becomes increasingly fragmented, the engagements of civil society and war veterans are pivotal in shaping the future of Zimbabwean politics.

Original Source: www.thezimbabwemail.com