‘Uncalled for’: EFF reacts to Mnangagwa’s term extension
· The South African
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has criticised Zimbabwe’s decision to amend the Constitution to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term in office, saying the move undermines democratic principles.
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In a statement issued on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, the EFF said it was concerned by the decision to extend Mnangagwa’s presidential term from five to seven years, effectively delaying the next elections until 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 accuses Zanu-PF of abandoning liberation values
The party said Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle was built on the principle of empowering citizens, arguing that political power should not become permanent.
EFF statement on the extension of Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term of office
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) July 7, 2026
—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
“The liberation of Zimbabwe from settler colonialism remains one of the greatest victories in the history of Africa,” the EFF said.
However, the party accused the ruling Zanu-PF government of shifting away from the values of the liberation movement.
“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.
The EFF said it believed political legitimacy must come from citizens through elections.
Party raises concerns over economic crisis
The EFF accused Mnangagwa’s administration of failing to address Zimbabwe’s economic challenges, including unemployment, poverty and struggling public services.
It added that many Zimbabweans were leaving the country in search of better opportunities because of economic difficulties.
“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 “uncalled for”, saying leaders should seek a fresh mandate from voters rather than extend their stay in power through legal changes.
“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.
The party warned that changing constitutional rules to benefit those in power could damage public trust.
EFF calls for focus on Zimbabwe’s citizens
The party urged the Zimbabwean government to prioritise economic recovery, accountable leadership and improved public services instead of extending presidential terms.
“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 EFF concluded by expressing solidarity with Zimbabweans “in their continued pursuit of dignity, democracy, economic justice and accountable leadership.”