President Emmerson Mnangagwa says the decision to extend his second term was not driven by him alone. Instead, he described it as the outcome of a collective national process.
His remarks came after the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Act Number 3 of 2026 was officially gazetted last Tuesday.
The new law extends Zimbabwe’s electoral cycle from five years to seven years. It also changes how future presidents will be chosen through Parliament. Additionally, the amendment increases Senate membership from 80 to 90 seats. The President will appoint the extra 10 senators.
Speaking during an interview with senior State media journalists at State House in Harare on Friday, Mnangagwa dismissed suggestions that the constitutional changes came from one person or faction.
Mnangagwa says constitutional changes were a collective decision
The President insisted the reforms reflected the country’s political development rather than individual interests.
“At the end of the day, it wasn’t an idea of an individual. It’s the collective evolution of our political system,” said Mnangagwa.
“You cannot attribute this to a particular individual or group of persons, but a collective evolution of the political process.
“As things evolve, you decide what is good for your country at a particular time. And there is no time when individual views — individualistic views — take the centre stage and leave a country.
“Generally, I believe that whatever we do, it must be a collective decision. I carry my Cabinet and the country on whatever decision we make.
“I don’t believe in individual persuasion or individual systems where the needs or the wishes of an individual take the day.
“No. I believe that whatever we do, it must be a collective decision so that whenever that decision is being challenged, it’s not only you who stands up to defend, but the entire system of Government defends what we decide.
President praises Zimbabweans’ commitment to development
Meanwhile, Mnangagwa also praised Zimbabweans for their dedication to national development. He said citizens consistently demonstrate hard work and commitment wherever he travels.
“To be honest, I feel that I am privileged as President of this country, because wherever I go, you find that our people, at every level, are committed to developing the country,” he said.
“What else would you want as a leader? I feel very proud. I can sleep comfortably with the type of country I lead.”
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