Mnangagwa’s Politburo Reshuffle Declared Unconstitutional – Top Lawyer

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is accused of making a constitutional misstep in his recent Zanu PF Politburo reshuffle, with legal experts describing the move as invalid.

The changes saw Obert Mpofu moved from the influential position of Secretary-General to Secretary for Information and Communication. Mnangagwa justified the shake-up by citing Article 9, sections 65 and 67 of the party’s constitution.

However, prominent lawyer Thabani Mpofu argued that those provisions do not empower the party leader to reassign Politburo members.

“The letter issued by Chris Mutsvangwa announcing Obert Mpofu’s removal as Secretary-General has no legal basis. Article 9 only outlines the functions of the Politburo, while section 65 relates to the Secretary for Economic Development and section 67 to the Secretary for Healthcare of the Child and Elderly. None of these give the First Secretary authority to reshuffle office-holders,” Mpofu wrote on X.

Political analysts have interpreted the reshuffle as Mnangagwa’s attempt to tighten his grip on power ahead of the party’s upcoming conference in Mutare. The party remains split between those supporting Mnangagwa’s bid to extend his rule beyond the two-term constitutional limit and others rallying behind Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga.

Mpofu added that Mnangagwa’s actions may have gone beyond his constitutional powers.

“Nothing in the Zanu PF Constitution grants the First Secretary unilateral authority to make such changes. Section 54 clearly outlines his powers, while section 49 stipulates that heads are appointed during Congress, not afterward. A power not provided for in the Constitution cannot be lawfully exercised.

“If this position stands, and is contested, it creates a dispute that must be resolved. Until then, the original structures remain in place,” he said.

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