The Eternal Reign: When Constitutions Become Suggestions
THE ACTORS: Who benefits from perpetual power? At the center, of course, is President Emmerson Mnangagwa . Formerly Robert Mugabe's protégé and enforcer, he ascended to power in a 2017 military-backed coup (initially euphemized as 'Operation Restore Legacy'), promising a 'new Zimbabwe' and economic revival. His cabinet, largely comprised of Zanu-PF loyalists and beneficiaries of the state
patronage system, is the proximate vehicle for this legislative maneuver. The underlying actors include various factions within Zanu-PF whose power and financial interests are directly tied to Mnangagwa's continued presidency. THE FUNDING: Power as the ultimate currency The funding here isn't just direct cash; it's the control over national resources and state enterprises. Mining, agriculture, and
parastatals often become channels for patronage and wealth accumulation for the ruling elite and their cronies. For instance, Zimbabwe's diamond and gold sectors, while lucrative, have long been plagued by accusations of illicit flows and opacity, benefiting a select few rather than the general populace (Global Witness, 2017). Extending Mnangagwa's term ensures this informal economy of influence
and resource extraction continues uninterrupted for those currently in power. THE INCENTIVES: Why cling to the chair? Beyond personal ambition, the incentives are manifold. For Mnangagwa and his inner circle, staying in power means continued access to state resources, immunity from prosecution for past actions (including allegations of human rights abuses, particularly regarding the 1980s