Zimbabwe MPs pass bill allowing Mnangagwa’s presidency to extend to 2030

 Zimbabwe’s lower house of parliament has passed a bill that would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in ⁠power until 2030.   The bill seeks to extend the country’s presidential term from five to seven years. It also proposes shifting presidential elections from direct popular vote to selection by lawmakers.   About 216 representatives in the national assembly voted in favour of the draft legislation on Thursday, passing the 187 mark needed for a two-thirds majority. It has to be approved by the senate, where it is also expected to pass.   Mnangagwa, 83, took power in 2017 after ousting long-time ruler Robert Mugabe with the backing of the military. He won the heavily disputed elections in 2018 and 2023.   Mnangagwa’s rule has been described as a dictatorship by critics, with a record marked by both economic reform efforts and severe democratic backsliding.   With elections delayed and presidential selection moved to parliament, opposition parties face even greater barriers to power.   Critics say the bill is a means for ⁠Mnangagwa to hold on to power for a longer time, but its backers say it will strengthen accountability and foster political stability.   Some activists launched court challenges against the plan to extend the presidential term ‌, but they were struck off the court roll this week for “technical reasons”.

The proposal would extend Emmerson Mnangagwa's term by two years and scrap direct presidential elections.

Zimbabwe's National Assembly has passed a bill extending presidential terms that could allow Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030.

A constitutional amendment approved by parliament would lengthen presidential terms and allow the 83-year-old leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond 2028. Bloomberg's Jennifer Zabasajja reports from Johannesburg. (Source: Bloomberg)

Zimbabwean lawmakers approved a controversial amendment to the constitution that will lay the ground for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his rule by two years.