Zimbabwean lawmakers have approved a constitutional amendment bill that would replace direct presidential elections with a vote by Parliament, causing strong reactions across the country.
Supporters of the bill say the change would improve policy stability and allow the government to continue its development plans. However, critics argue that it could weaken democracy and increase the ruling party’s control over power.
The bill passed in the National Assembly after 216 lawmakers voted in favour and 42 voted against it. It will now move to the Senate, where it is expected to seek the required two-thirds majority for constitutional changes.
The proposed amendment would change Zimbabwe’s 2013 Constitution by allowing the president to be elected by a joint sitting of the Senate and National Assembly instead of through a direct public vote.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi defended the bill, saying it was meant to improve the country’s constitutional system and not remove citizens’ rights.
Opponents, however, fear the move could strengthen President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s influence and allow him to remain in power beyond his current term, which is scheduled to end in 2028.
Critics say removing direct presidential elections would reduce public accountability and could lead to a stronger one-party system under the ruling ZANU-PF party, which has governed Zimbabwe since independence in 1980.
Human rights activists have also raised concerns about alleged intimidation and violence during public consultations over the bill.
The ruling party controls both houses of Parliament, while opposition groups remain divided and have struggled to challenge its dominance.
Opponents are now turning to the courts to challenge the proposed constitutional changes, saying the future of Zimbabwe’s democracy is at stake.
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