Zimbabwe’s lower house of parliament has passed a controversial bill that extends presidential terms from five to seven years, potentially allowing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030.
On Thursday, over 200 lawmakers supported the draft legislation, exceeding the two-thirds majority required for constitutional amendments.
The bill also eliminates direct presidential elections, with future leaders to be selected by parliament instead.
Emmerson Mnangagwa, aged 83, ascended to power in 2017 after the military-backed ousting of long-time leader Robert Mugabe.
He has since won contentious elections in 2018 and 2023.
The proposed amendments will now move to the senate, where approval is anticipated before being signed into law by the president.
This development marks the culmination of efforts by the ruling Zanu-PF party, which has been in power since Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, to modify the constitution and extend presidential terms, a plan that received cabinet support earlier this year.
Despite previously presenting himself as a proponent of constitutional governance and promising to uphold term limits, Mnangagwa’s administration has faced criticism.
During Thursday’s vote, Speaker Jacob Mudenda announced that 216 lawmakers voted in favor of the legislation, surpassing the 187 votes needed for constitutional amendments, while 42 opposed it.
Key provisions of the amendment include:
• Abolishing direct presidential elections, established since 1990
• Empowering parliament to elect the next president
• Extending both parliamentary and presidential terms from five to seven years
• Postponing parliamentary elections initially set for 2028 until 2030
With these changes, President Mnangagwa, whose current term is set to end in 2028, will remain in office until 2030.
Opposition parties, civil society organizations, and legal experts have argued that such significant alterations should be presented to voters in a national referendum rather than solely approved by parliament.
Initially regarded as a reformist who would revitalize economic growth and democratic practices, Mnangagwa’s presidency has instead been characterized by economic difficulties, disputed electoral processes, and rising concerns about democratic regression.
The recent constitutional amendments have sparked renewed debate regarding Zimbabwe’s political trajectory.
Critics warn that these changes could undermine democratic accountability, while supporters argue they are vital for ensuring stability and continuity.
A new constitution adopted in 2013 limited presidential service to two terms and stipulated that any extension of term limits must be approved by voters in a referendum.
Additionally, sitting presidents cannot benefit from such extensions without voter consent through a subsequent referendum.
However, on Wednesday, the Constitutional Court dismissed a legal challenge aimed at blocking the bill.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong