Zimbabwe Senate Clears Path for Mnangagwa to Stay Longer

Zimbabwe Senate Clears Path for Mnangagwa to Stay Longer

Zimbabwe’s Senate has approved a constitutional amendment that could allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030.

The proposed changes, backed by a 75-4 vote in the upper chamber, now await the president’s signature before becoming law.

If enacted, the legislation would extend presidential terms from five years to seven years and replace direct presidential elections with a system in which Parliament selects the country’s leader.

The government says the reforms are aimed at promoting political stability, reducing the frequency of elections and ensuring continuity in governance.

However, opposition parties and civil society groups have condemned the proposal, warning it could further strengthen Mnangagwa’s hold on power and weaken Zimbabwe’s democratic process.

Critics have described the reforms as a “constitutional coup”, arguing they would deprive citizens of their right to directly elect the president.

They also fear the changes could return Zimbabwe to the style of governance seen under former President Robert Mugabe.

Government officials have rejected those claims, insisting the constitutional amendment followed the country’s legal procedures.

They also argue there is no constitutional requirement for the proposals to be approved through a national referendum.

The debate has been accompanied by allegations of harassment from opposition figures and activists campaigning against the bill.

Some claim security agents disrupted their activities, while police have denied any involvement in the reported incidents.

Authorities say public consultations attracted more than 537,000 submissions, with the majority supporting the reforms.

Opposition leaders dispute that account, insisting many citizens were prevented from expressing their views during the consultation process.

Mnangagwa, 83, won a second presidential term in 2023, although the election was criticised by opposition parties and international observers.

If the constitutional changes become law, they would mark one of the most significant political reforms in Zimbabwe since independence.