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

Zimbabwean lawmakers have passed a bill to amend the constitution, extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term in office and altering presidential election procedures. The legislation, approved by 216 votes to 42, scraps direct presidential elections, which have been held since 1990, and replaces them with parliamentary election of the president. Both parliamentary and presidential terms will be extended from five to seven years, delaying the next parliamentary elections from 2028 to 2030. This means President Mnangagwa, whose current term ends in 2028, will remain in power until 2030. Critics argue these fundamental changes should have been put to a national referendum, as stipulated by the 2013 constitution for term limit extensions. The Constitutional Court dismissed a legal challenge against the bill.

Zimbabwean lawmakers have approved a bill that would replace direct presidential elections with a vote by parliament. Supporters, including some from the ruling ZANU-PF and opposition CCC parties, claim this change will promote policy continuity and allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to complete his development agenda. However, opponents argue the bill, which has passed the National Assembly and moves to the Senate, will weaken democratic accountability and further entrench the ruling party's power. Critics fear this shift could allow Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond his current term ending in 2028, effectively creating a one-party state and enabling unchecked executive power. The bill's sponsor, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, rejects these criticisms, stating the amendment refines the constitution for better functionality and national progress.

Zimbabwe's lower house of parliament has passed a bill to extend presidential terms from five to seven years, which could allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030. The legislation, approved by 216 lawmakers in the National Assembly, would postpone the 2028 elections to 2030. The bill also proposes changing presidential elections from a direct popular vote to selection by lawmakers. This measure, which has cabinet backing and is expected to pass the Senate where Mnangagwa's party holds a majority, has drawn criticism from opponents who view it as a way for Mnangagwa to extend his rule. Supporters argue it will enhance accountability and political stability.