JUST IN: ZIMBABWE SENATE BACKS BILL TO EXTEND PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA’S TENURE TO 2030

 ZIMBABWE SENATE BACKS BILL TO EXTEND PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA’S TENURE TO 2030

Zimbabwe’s Senate has approved a controversial constitutional amendment bill that could allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030, marking a major political development that has sparked criticism from opposition groups and human rights advocates.

The legislation, passed on Wednesday with overwhelming parliamentary support, is one of the most debated political issues in Zimbabwe, where Mnangagwa’s ruling Zanu-PF party has maintained power since the country gained independence in 1980.

According to official parliamentary records, 75 senators voted in favour of the bill, while four voted against it. The proposal had earlier secured approval in the National Assembly on June 18 after 216 lawmakers supported the measure against 42 opposing votes.

With both chambers of parliament now backing the amendments, the bill will proceed to President Mnangagwa for final assent before becoming law.

One of the key provisions in the constitutional amendment extends presidential and parliamentary terms from five years to seven years, effectively prolonging Mnangagwa’s final constitutionally permitted term until 2030.

Another major change gives parliament the authority to appoint the president, replacing the direct presidential election process introduced in 1987, a move critics argue significantly alters Zimbabwe’s democratic structure.

Opposition parties and activists have strongly opposed the amendments, accusing the government of attempting to strengthen Zanu-PF’s long-standing grip on power in the southern African nation.

Critics have described the reforms as a “constitutional coup,” warning that the changes could weaken democratic institutions and reduce citizens’ role in choosing national leadership.

Reports indicate that several activists mobilising resistance against the bill have allegedly faced intimidation, arrests, and violent attacks reportedly carried out by suspected state agents.

Previous legal efforts aimed at stopping or invalidating the amendment process were unsuccessful.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, popularly known by the nickname “The Crocodile,” assumed office in 2017 following a military-backed transition that removed former leader Robert Mugabe after 37 years in power.

Mnangagwa was subsequently elected for two five-year terms in 2018 and again in 2023.

Earlier this year, Zimbabwe’s cabinet defended the proposed constitutional changes, stating that extending the tenure would improve political stability and ensure continuity in the implementation of national development programmes.

Human Rights Watch had earlier raised concerns in March, alleging that authorities were using intimidation, harassment, and violence against citizens opposing the constitutional amendments.

The organisation said multiple individuals critical of the proposal had reportedly been threatened or assaulted in recent months.

The development is expected to intensify debate within Zimbabwe and across the international community over governance, democratic accountability, and constitutional reforms in the country.