Zimbabwe's National Assembly has voted in favor of constitutional changes that would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term in office from five to seven years. The bill, which passed with 216 lawmakers voting in favor (exceeding the 187-vote threshold needed for a two-thirds majority) and 42 against, would postpone presidential elections from 2028 to 2030.
The proposed legislation, known as Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill or CAB3, also suggests shifting presidential elections from a direct popular vote to selection by lawmakers. This aspect, along with the term extension, has drawn significant criticism from activists and some political observers who view it as an effort by the 83-year-old president to entrench his power.
Following its approval by the National Assembly, the bill will now proceed to the Senate, where it is also anticipated to pass, given the ruling ZANU-PF party's control and influence over the upper house, including traditional leaders. If enacted, Mnangagwa would join a growing number of African leaders who have modified constitutional restrictions to extend their tenure, a trend highlighted by analysts from the Southern Africa Coalition for Democracy and Accountability as constitutional erosion for political survival.
Mnangagwa came to power in 2017 after a military-backed ousting of long-time leader Robert Mugabe. Supporters of the bill argue it will strengthen accountability and foster political stability, while critics maintain it undermines democratic processes and constitutional safeguards. Court challenges against the plan to extend Mnangagwa's term were recently struck off for technical reasons, contributing to heightened political tensions in the country.
