Zim’s Got 99 Problems, a 3rd Term Ain’t One!

Some people argue that Zimbabwe needs Pres. Mnangagwa to stay in power for the sake of stability and progress. But keeping him in office beyond his term limit would be bad for the country and the continent.

Changing the constitution just to benefit one leader is wrong. The rules exist to protect democracy and prevent leaders from staying in power forever. And change is good! If we allow Mnangagwa to extend his rule, future leaders will do the same, making elections meaningless.

After all, he has a chain of failed promises. Zimbabwe’s economy is on life support. Jobs are hard to find, inflation is high, and corruption is everywhere. Hospitals are in the ICU and companies are closing. Gedye yakaramba. Mnangagwa has had years, even decades, to fix these issues but hasn’t. He was the first officer when Mugabe was flying Zimbabwe aground. Now he is the captain, and Zimbos are worse off. Giving him more time won’t change anything—Zimbabwe needs new leadership with fresh ideas.

No leader is irreplaceable. A strong country does not depend on one person. If Mnangagwa’s policies are truly good, then someone else from his party can continue them, though I must admit, they do lack depth and talent. The idea that only he can lead is a sign of weak leadership, not strength.

His last election was also disputed. Many Zimbabweans do not believe his 2023 victory was fair. There was apparent voter suppression and rigging - delayed ballots in urban areas and the FAZ debacle. If he now pushes to extend his rule, it will only deepen mistrust in the political system and create more division in the country.

Democracy means giving others a chance. In competitive, but fair democracies, often leaders win with slim majorities, but the system allows for change. This keeps democracy alive. If we remove the chance for leadership change, opposition supporters will feel excluded, leading to frustration and possible unrest. Ironically, the most unrest right now might emerge from within his party and the "securocrats".

Staying in power for too long usually makes leaders less accountable. Corruption grows, and the country stops progressing. Corruption today is staggering – some say we’re now a kleptocracy or lootocracy, others call it a kakistocracy - a government run by the worst, least qualified, or most corrupt people. I say, to hell with the jargon – humbavha hwawandisa! Zimbabwe needs new leadership to move forward, not the same old problems under the same leader.

If Mnangagwa really respects democracy, he should step aside in 2028 and allow a fair election. Zimbabwe’s future should not depend on one man. It should depend on strong institutions, fair leadership, and a system where no one is above the law. Extending his rule would only hurt the country, not help it.