Zimbabwe’s parliament has approved a controversial constitutional amendment bill that extends presidential terms from five to seven years and removes direct presidential elections, allowing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to potentially remain in office until 2030.
More than 200 lawmakers voted in favour of the bill on Thursday, easily surpassing the two-thirds majority required to amend the constitution. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where it is widely expected to pass before being signed into law by the president.
Under the proposed changes, future presidents will no longer be elected directly by citizens but will instead be chosen by parliament. Parliamentary and presidential terms will also be extended from five to seven years, and scheduled elections in 2028 will be pushed to 2030.
President Mnangagwa, 83, who came to power in 2017 following the ousting of long-time leader Robert Mugabe, is currently serving his second term, which was expected to end in 2028.
The ruling Zanu-PF party has pushed for constitutional reforms since February, arguing that the changes are necessary to ensure political continuity and stability. However, opposition parties and civil society groups have strongly criticised the move, saying such significant constitutional amendments should be decided through a national referendum rather than parliamentary approval.
The 2013 constitution currently limits presidents to two terms and requires public endorsement for any extension of term limits. Critics argue the new bill weakens democratic accountability and risks undermining electoral processes in the country.
Despite opposition objections, Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court recently dismissed a legal challenge seeking to block the legislation, clearing the way for parliamentary approval.
The development has intensified debate over the country’s democratic trajectory, with supporters viewing it as a stabilising reform and critics warning of further political entrenchment.
