Zimbabwe lawmakers approve bill extending presidents term of office

Zimbabwe’s Lower House Passes Bill Extending Presidential Terms

A bill to extend presidential terms from five to seven years has been passed by Zimbabwe’s lower house of parliament. The legislation, which requires a two-thirds majority, was approved by 216 lawmakers on Thursday. As a result, President Emmerson Mnangagwa will remain in power until 2030.

The constitutional amendments would postpone elections due in 2028 to 2030 and extend Mnangagwa’s term from five to seven years. The bill also proposes shifting presidential elections from direct popular vote to selection by lawmakers. Approval of the bill is still required by the Senate, where it is expected to pass.

Mnangagwa’s governing ZANU-PF party controls the upper house of parliament through traditional leaders and other proxies who generally vote with the party. The president has been in power since 2017, following a military coup that ousted longtime leader Robert Mugabe.

Critics have expressed concerns about the bill, while supporters argue it will strengthen accountability and foster political stability. Zimbabwe is not alone in extending presidential terms; several African countries have made similar changes to their constitutions.

Source: Al Jazeera