By Farai D Hove | ZimEye | At a time when Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been caught on camera instructing his supporters to push for the suspension of the constitution so he can extend his rule indefinitely, he has ironically declared himself to be “so democratic.”

During a recent meeting with a select group of editors, Mnangagwa attempted to reaffirm his commitment to constitutionalism and term limits, even as growing evidence suggests he is laying the groundwork to remain in power beyond his legally mandated two terms.

“I’m So Democratic,” Says Mnangagwa Amid Moves to Undermine Democracy

In response to a journalist’s question about whether he would respect the constitutional limit on his presidency, Mnangagwa stated:

“I thought you are putting me very clear that I have two terms, and these terms are very definite, and I’m so democratic. When they come to an end, I’ll step aside, and my party will let my successor… that is as clear as day. Those who have other imaginations, it’s a democratic society for people to dream.”

This statement came as a contradiction to his recent remarks captured on video, where he was heard instructing people to demand the suspension of parliament—a move that would effectively keep him in office beyond his current term.

Mnangagwa’s Contradictions: Public Promises vs. Private Plans

While Mnangagwa told the editors that he was not entertaining calls to extend his rule to 2030, his actions tell a different story. At the Zanu-PF Annual People’s Conference in Bulawayo last year, a resolution was passed advocating for his term extension, citing his government’s infrastructure and economic projects. Despite publicly maintaining that he will step down when his time is up, Mnangagwa has simultaneously been allowing and even encouraging efforts to keep him in power.

He downplayed these efforts as part of democratic discourse, stating:

“It’s not imaginable that there is anybody in the country who can push me. I feel very uncomfortable. I am very solid. I have always said I am a constitutionalist. I have my two terms, and when they come to an end, the country and the party will move on by electing my successor.”

However, the recently surfaced footage suggests otherwise. Instead of rejecting the unconstitutional push outright, he has been subtly guiding his supporters on how to engineer a legal loophole that would allow him to remain in office indefinitely.

A “Democratic” Leader Who Wants to Suspend Parliament

The stark contradiction between Mnangagwa’s words and actions raises serious concerns about the future of democracy in Zimbabwe. While he publicly portrays himself as a champion of constitutionalism, his behind-the-scenes maneuvers suggest he is laying the groundwork to extend his presidency through unconstitutional means.

His claim that “facts will carry the day” appears increasingly hollow in the face of mounting evidence that he is actively engaging in efforts to override those very facts. By instructing his supporters to call for a constitutional suspension, Mnangagwa is effectively undermining the very democracy he claims to uphold.

Persuading the “Persuaders” While Enabling Them

When asked how he would ensure he remains committed to his stated position of stepping down, Mnangagwa said:

“I will persuade the persuaders not to persuade me so that I remain constitutional.”

Yet, his actions indicate he is not only tolerating these so-called “persuaders” but is actively directing them on how to achieve their goal of keeping him in power.

Conclusion: A Democracy in Peril

Mnangagwa’s latest remarks stand in sharp contrast to the reality on the ground. While he insists he will respect the constitution, his behind-the-scenes efforts suggest he is determined to remain in power by any means necessary. His claim of being “so democratic” rings hollow in the face of overwhelming evidence that he is actively undermining Zimbabwe’s democracy.

As calls for constitutional violations grow louder—with his tacit approval—the question remains: Will Zimbabwe’s institutions withstand this pressure, or is the country heading toward yet another era of entrenched authoritarian rule?