Zimbabwe MPs Pass Bill to Extend President Mnangagwa’s Time in Power Until 2030

Zimbabwe’s lower house of parliament has passed a controversial constitutional amendment bill that extends presidential terms from five to seven years, effectively enabling 83-year-old President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030 despite his second and final term officially concluding in 2028.

On Thursday, over 200 lawmakers voted in favour of the proposed legislation, with 216 lawmakers supporting the draft and 42 opposing it, surpassing the two-thirds majority threshold of 187 votes needed to amend the constitution.

The amendment, tabled by Justice Minister Khumalo in early June, introduces several seismic changes to Zimbabwe’s democratic framework. The proposal defers elections originally scheduled for 2028 by two years to 2030, and most significantly, abolishes direct presidential elections that have been held since 1990. Under the new system, future presidents will be elected by parliament rather than through popular vote.

The bill also lengthens the terms of the president, MPs, councillors, and mayors from five to seven years, fundamentally altering Zimbabwe’s electoral cycle across all levels of government.

“The threshold needed for the text to pass was 187 votes. It received overwhelming support, with 218 lawmakers voting in favour,” said Parliamentary Speaker Jacob Mudenda after the vote at Mount Hampden, north of Harare.

The legislation will next proceed to the Senate, where it is “equally expected to pass with little to no resistance”. Opposition figures have condemned the move, warning that constitutional changes affecting term limits must be put to a national referendum.

The proposal has sparked heated debate across Zimbabwe. While some supporters argue extending the term provides presidents more time for development initiatives, critics fear the amendment threatens democracy and concentrates political power. Opposition activists warned the changes could enable Mnangagwa to remain president indefinitely through parliamentary selection.

The cabinet approved the controversial constitutional amendment bill, Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No 3), Bill 2026, on February 10, 2026, following months of internal deliberation.

This move marks another significant shift in Zimbabwe’s political landscape under Mnangagwa, who has held power since replacing longtime leader Robert Mugabe in 2017 amid a military-backed transition. The ruling ZANU-PF party’s dominance in parliament has facilitated the bill’s passage with minimal opposition resistance.

The extension raises concerns about democratic governance, term limits, and the future of Zimbabwe’s political system, with critics arguing the amendment undermines constitutional integrity and the principle of regular electoral accountability.