Harare, Zimbabwe (Running Africa) — Zimbabwe’s Senate has approved a controversial constitutional amendment bill that could pave the way for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030, marking a significant step in proposed electoral reforms that have sparked widespread political debate.
The legislation, backed by the ruling ZANU-PF party, secured Senate approval after previously passing the National Assembly. It proposes extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and would allow Parliament to appoint a president under specific constitutional provisions rather than through a direct national vote.
The bill must now return to the National Assembly for final procedural approval before it can be signed into law by President Mnangagwa.
Opposition parties, civil society organizations, and constitutional experts have strongly criticized the proposed amendments, describing them as a threat to Zimbabwe’s democratic governance. Critics argue the reforms could further consolidate ZANU-PF’s decades-long hold on power and weaken constitutional safeguards designed to protect electoral accountability.
The opposition has vowed to challenge the legislation in court, maintaining that the proposed changes affect fundamental constitutional principles and should be subjected to a national referendum before taking effect.
Supporters of the bill, however, argue the amendments would promote political stability, reduce the frequency of costly elections, and provide greater continuity for long-term national development programs.
The constitutional debate has unfolded amid reports from human rights organizations alleging increased intimidation and violence targeting activists and political figures opposed to the reforms, raising fresh concerns over Zimbabwe’s political environment ahead of future elections.
The proposed amendments are expected to remain at the center of national and international scrutiny as Zimbabwe navigates another pivotal moment in its constitutional and democratic evolution.
