Tinaye Agere
Harmony Agere
LEGAL expert and ZANU PF Secretary for Mines and Energy Development in the Politburo Cde Paul Mangwana says the proposed extension of the electoral cycle from five to seven years does not constitute a Presidential term extension.
Speaking at a press conference together with ZANU PF Secretary for Information Christopher Mutsvangwa in Harare today, Cde Mangwana said the proposed adjustment does not meet the constitutional threshold required for a term extension.
The Constitution, he said, provides that an extension only constitutes a term if it exceeds three years.
“The current President will not benefit from the extension of term limits,” he said.
“People are failing to understand something in the Constitution. The Constitution provides that any extension below three years is not considered to be a term.
“That is a very important piece of the law. The current amendment is being extended by two years, which falls short of three years.”
Cde Mangwana, who played a key role in drafting the country’s Constitution, which came into effect in 2013, drew parallels with the period when President Mnangagwa assumed office following the resignation of President Mugabe in 2017.
He said the nine months served by President Mnangagwa after President Mugabe stepped down did not constitute a full term under the Constitution.
“In the same manner, when the current President came into office, he finished the term of office of President Mugabe for the remaining nine months, and that does not constitute a term.”
Ends
Online Reporter