Zimbabwe Parliament Extends Presidential Terms to Seven Years, Abolishes Direct Elections

Zimbabwe's lower house of parliament has passed legislation extending presidential terms from five to seven years, a move that could see President Emmerson Mnangagwa in office until 2030.

The bill, which secured over 200 votes, surpassing the two-thirds majority required for constitutional amendments, also mandates that future presidents will be selected by parliament, not directly elected by the populace.

Mnangagwa, 83, assumed power in 2017 following the military-backed ousting of Robert Mugabe, subsequently winning elections in 2018 and 2023, both of which were contested.

The legislation now proceeds to the senate, where its approval is anticipated before presidential enactment. This development culminates a campaign by the ruling Zanu-PF party, in power since 1980, to modify the constitution, a plan endorsed by the cabinet in February.

Despite previously presenting himself as a constitutionalist committed to respecting term limits, the President now oversees this significant shift. The Constitutional Court dismissed a legal challenge seeking to block the bill prior to its parliamentary passage.

Opposition parties, civil society organisations, and legal experts contend that such fundamental constitutional alterations should be subject to a national referendum, rather than solely parliamentary approval. Critics argue these amendments weaken democratic accountability, while supporters maintain they are essential for continuity and stability.