Zimbabwe MPs pass bill to extend president's time in power

During Thursday's vote, Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda announced that 216 lawmakers had backed the legislation, surpassing the 187 votes required to amend the constitution. Forty-two lawmakers voted against it.The amendment contains several provisions:Presidential elections - held since 1990 - are scrappedParliament elects the next presidentParliamentary and presidential terms extended from five to seven yearsParliamentary elections scheduled for 2028 delayed to 2030President Mnangagwa, whose second and final term is due to end in 2028, remains in office until 2030.Opposition parties, civil society groups and constitutional lawyers have argued that such fundamental changes should be put to a National referendum rather than being approved solely through parliament.Initially hailed by supporters as a reformer who would restore Economic growth and Democratic governance, Mnangagwa's presidency has instead been marked by economic challenges, disputed elections and growing concerns over Democratic backsliding. The latest constitutional changes have intensified debate over Zimbabwe's political future, with opponents warning that the amendments could weaken democratic accountability, while supporters maintain they are necessary to ensure continuity and stability.A new constitution adopted in 2013 restricted a president to serving a maximum of two terms, adding that any move to extend Term limits would need to be endorsed by voters in a referendum and that a sitting president cannot benefit from any extension unless voters give their approval in a second referendum.However, on Wednesday, the country's Constitutional Court dismissed a legal challenge seeking to block the bill.