HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signalled that Zimbabwe’s next general elections will proceed as scheduled in 2028, dismissing growing calls within Zanu PF for the polls to be pushed to 2030 or later.
The announcement, made during the ruling party’s Central Committee meeting in Harare, comes after some of Mnangagwa’s closest allies—including the outspoken Local Government Minister, Daniel Garwe—had publicly declared that the elections would not take place in 2028.
Garwe and other loyalists have argued for extending Mnangagwa’s stay in power, citing the need for “continuity” and “consolidation of gains.” However, critics see the move as a brazen attempt to subvert the constitution and extend authoritarian rule.
In his address to the Central Committee, Mnangagwa appeared to rebuke such sentiments, albeit without directly confronting his allies:
“It is important that we introspect as a party of the bigger picture—that we must win the 2028 harmonised elections. The Central Committee must have robust and frank discussions to foster solutions in unity to realise our common vision. We must therefore do our best to foster strategies of shaping our country.”
Opposition parties have been quick to seize on the developments, describing the internal contradictions as proof of Zanu PF’s fear of the ballot. “It is evident that Mnangagwa’s lieutenants know they cannot survive free and fair elections. They are already plotting unconstitutional postponements,” said one Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson.
Analysts warn that while Mnangagwa’s statement reassures the public on paper, the ruling party’s mixed signals reflect deeper struggles over succession, legitimacy, and fear of losing grip on power.
For ordinary Zimbabweans, many of whom continue to suffer under an economic crisis marked by joblessness, inflation, and poor service delivery, the 2028 elections are viewed as a critical turning point. Whether Mnangagwa’s pledge will hold against his party’s authoritarian instincts remains to be seen.
