The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has condemned Zimbabwe’s constitutional changes that extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s time in office.
The party said the amendments weaken democracy and deny citizens the opportunity to vote as scheduled.
On Tuesday, 7 July 2026, the EFF released a statement opposing the new law. It said the changes increase the presidential term from five to seven years. As a result, Zimbabwe’s next general elections will now take place in 2030.
“The EFF notes with deep concern the decision by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa to sign into law constitutional amendments extending the presidential term from five to seven years,” the party said.
EFF says Zanu-PF has drifted from liberation ideals
The EFF argued that Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle aimed to give power to ordinary citizens, not to entrench political leaders.
“The liberation of Zimbabwe from settler colonialism remains one of the greatest victories in the history of Africa,” the EFF said.
However, the party claimed Zanu-PF has gradually abandoned those founding principles.
“For decades, Zanu-PF has increasingly behaved as though the people of Zimbabwe owe it perpetual political loyalty because it was the movement that led the liberation struggle,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the EFF stressed that every government must earn its legitimacy through free and fair elections. It said no political party should rely on its liberation history to remain in power indefinitely.
EFF statement on the extension of Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office
—The EFF believes that the people of Zimbabwe cannot be held hostage indefinitely by a governing party. True revolutionaries understand that political power belongs to the people and that… pic.twitter.com/irNdV3yp2x
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) July 7, 2026
Party links constitutional changes to Zimbabwe’s economic struggles
The EFF also criticised Mnangagwa’s government over the country’s worsening economic conditions. It pointed to rising unemployment, widespread poverty and struggling public services.
In addition, the party said economic hardship continues to force many Zimbabweans to seek opportunities abroad.
“Millions of Zimbabweans continue to leave their homeland in search of opportunities across the African continent and beyond because their own government has failed to create conditions for a dignified life,” the statement said.
The party described the constitutional amendments as unnecessary. It argued that leaders should seek fresh public support through elections.
“The extension of a presidential mandate through constitutional amendment, rather than through the freely expressed will of the people at the ballot box, represents a deeply disappointing development,” the EFF said.
Moreover, the party warned that changing constitutional rules for political leaders could erode public confidence in democratic institutions.
The EFF urged Zimbabwe’s government to focus on economic recovery, stronger accountability and better public services.
“The EFF therefore calls upon the Government of Zimbabwe to place the needs of its people above the political interests of those in power,” the statement said.
The party ended its statement by expressing solidarity with Zimbabweans “in their continued pursuit of dignity, democracy, economic justice and accountable leadership.”
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