Zimbabwe Parliament Approves Bill to Extend President Mnangagwa’s Term to 2030

Zimbabwe’s parliament has approved a constitutional amendment bill that would extend the presidential term from five years to seven years, potentially allowing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030.

The proposed changes have sparked debate, with critics accusing the government of trying to prolong Mnangagwa’s rule beyond the current limit, while supporters argue that the move would promote stability and improve governance.

The bill also proposes changing the presidential election system from a direct popular vote to a process where lawmakers would select the president.

The legislation is expected to move to the Senate for approval.

Opposition groups and civil society activists have raised concerns over the move, saying it could weaken democratic processes in the country. Supporters of the amendment maintain that it is aimed at strengthening accountability.

Mnangagwa, 83, came to power in 2017 after a military intervention removed longtime leader Robert Mugabe, who had ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980.

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