HARARE — Zimbabwe’s parliament approved constitutional amendments on Thursday that would extend presidential terms from five years to seven years and postpone national elections scheduled for 2028, a move that could allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030, according to parliamentary results and government officials.
The legislation passed Zimbabwe’s National Assembly with the two-thirds majority required for constitutional changes. Parliamentary officials said 216 lawmakers voted in favor of the bill, exceeding the threshold needed for approval. The measure now advances to the Senate, where passage is widely expected because the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union–Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) holds significant influence.
The proposed amendments would defer general elections due in 2028 until 2030 and lengthen the terms of the president and other elected officials. The bill also contains provisions that would alter the method of electing the president, shifting from direct popular vote to selection by lawmakers, according to the text introduced by the government earlier this month.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who introduced the legislation, has said the changes are intended to improve governance and align electoral cycles. Supporters within ZANU-PF have argued that longer terms would provide greater political stability and allow more time for implementing economic and development policies.
Critics, including opposition figures, civil society groups and some veterans of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, have accused the government of seeking to consolidate power. Several legal challenges have been filed against the proposal, with opponents arguing that extending the tenure of a sitting president should require approval through a national referendum. Details of those court challenges remain under review.
Mnangagwa, 83, came to power in 2017 following the military-backed removal of longtime leader Robert Mugabe. Under the current constitution, he is expected to leave office in 2028 after completing two five-year terms. Government officials have maintained that the proposed amendments comply with constitutional procedures and parliamentary requirements.
The parliamentary vote has drawn attention across the region, where several countries have faced debates over constitutional amendments affecting presidential tenure. Political observers and rights groups have closely monitored developments in Zimbabwe as lawmakers considered the legislation.
As of Friday, the bill had not yet completed the legislative process. Senate consideration was expected in the coming days, while government officials and opposition groups continued to dispute the proposal’s implications. Details regarding the timing of final approval and any further legal proceedings remained unclear.
