By Shelton Muchena and Desmond Nleya

As Zimbabwe grapples with a tumultuous political climate, the question lingers: Is President Emmerson Mnangagwa, affectionately known as ED, paving the way for a seamless transition of power, or are he and his affiliates conspiring to dismantle the very tenets of democratic governance? Increasingly, the narrative suggests a faction within the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) is intent on extending his presidency beyond 2028, contradicting an implicit desire for change voiced by a significant portion of the electorate and party elders alike.

Over the past week, some self-acclaimed members of the Varakashi for ED, a vocal social media group advocating the continued hanging on power of the President were permanently expelled from the group on charges that they were rogue elements planting disunity in the party. Their expulsion signals that ZANU PF is always bigger than individuals.

The apparent isolation of Harare and the Midlands as the only vocal proponents of ED’s tenure beyond 2028 raises eyebrows. What does this suggest about the party’s grassroots sentiment? With over 60 resolutions passed at the recent ZANU-PF conference, why is there such emphasis on a single resolution favouring ED’s continued leadership? This oddity paves the way for speculation regarding whether the party’s foundations are cracking, supporting the notion that the wider political apparatus may not share the fervent enthusiasm exhibited by ED’s loyalist in Harare and Midlands.

Moreover, the unnerving silence from key party figures, including Dr Obert Mpofu, Sydney Sekeramai, General Rugeje, Patric Chinamasa,George Charamba and Nick Mangwana, regarding the contentious ‘2030 slogan’ is telling. As the narrative circulates that ED may genuinely consider relinquishing power, why is he not denouncing a slogan that suggests he aims to remain in office well into the next decade? This hesitance only deepens the public’s suspicion of his political intentions.

In recent days, the mantra supporting his extended presidency, ‘Dancing to 2030,’ which previously filled the political atmosphere with fervour, has notably quieted. Coupled with the alarming sight of military tanks on the streets of Harare, the government seems to be sending a stark message: loyalty to ED will not be tolerated, and dissent will be met with force Is this an expression of confidence in his leadership or a desperate bid to project strength amid an atmosphere of uncertainty and doubt?

This mounting tension serves as a battle cry for Zimbabweans yearning for change, yet the decision-makers appear poised to stifle the people’s voice. As political affiliations become increasingly fractured, and as fear mounts over the consequences of dissent, the resolution rests in the hands of the electorate. Will they remain passive observers in the face of an unfolding political drama, or will they mobilise to demand accountability and change?

If ED is honest about leaving office in 2028, why did he start the 2030 ndenge ndichipo slogan.

Why have parallel structures with prefixes for ED? What happens to them when he leaves office? Why does he not stop the slogan that has seemingly caused division not only in the country but also in ZANU PF.
Even without answers to these questions, one thing remains certain, that the winner will always be ZANU PF.