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Fungi Kwaramba in BEIJING, China
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has reaffirmed his commitment to adhering to constitutional term limits, emphasising that he will not extend his Presidency beyond two terms.
Speaking to Zimbabweans based in Beijing, China, on Monday night, the President, who won last year’s elections decisively, underscored his dedication to upholding the Constitution’s provisions governing Presidential terms.
“Ndakataura kuti I am a constitutionalist, makambozvinzwa? Zvinoreva kuti tinotevedzera Bumbiro Remutemo chaizvo izvo zvakare ndini umwe akarinyora. Avo vamunoita nawo makuhwa muchiti shefu vangazowedzera makore avo, bodo handiite,” the President said speaking in Shona for emphasis.
(“I said I am a constitutionalist. Did you hear that? It means I adhere to the Constitution, and I am one of those who drafted it. Those with whom you are gossiping, saying the President may extend his term, no, I will never do that”).
President Mnangagwa, whose mandate is still fresh following last year’s plebscite, added that when the time for him to leave comes, he will do so graciously.
“Ndine ndima yangu yandakapihwa nevanhu. Kana yapera kuchauya vamwe vanouya kuzotora ndima dzavowo. Mazvihwa? (People gave me a mandate, and when it ends, others will come.)
“So this question of having a third term does not arise, especially under my watch. No. I’m in my second term, and I already know the date racho randichabva pachigaro, ndotova naro, 2028 ndoenda kumba kwopindawo vamwe. (I already know the date when I will leave office, I have it. In 2028 I am going home and someone else comes in),” the President said.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu