Push to Extend Zimbabwe's Presidential Term Limits Gains Momentum

Thu Feb 12 2026 01:05:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Zimbabwean cabinet has endorsed a new bill that could enable President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his tenure until 2030, provoking discussions about political power dynamics and governance in the country.

In a significant development, Zimbabwe's cabinet has approved a draft bill that would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to prolong his term until 2030. The proposed legislation suggests changing the presidential selection process to be determined by MPs instead of a direct public vote, allowing a maximum of two seven-year terms instead of the current five-year limit. While Minister of Justice Ziyambi Ziyambi has announced forthcoming public consultations before the bill is submitted to a parliament dominated by the ruling Zanu-PF party, legal experts express concerns over potential constitutional violations, as a referendum may be necessary. Political speculation surrounds Mnangagwa, a figure who has faced criticism within his party yet remains a central character in Zimbabwe's leadership narrative.

Zimbabwe's cabinet has approved draft legislation that would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa, 83, to extend his stay in office until at least 2030.

Under the proposals, presidents would be selected by Members of Parliament (MPs) rather than through a direct vote, and the maximum term could be increased to two seven-year terms instead of the current five-year terms.

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi stated that public consultations would take place before the bill proceeds to parliament for debate, where both chambers are controlled by the ruling Zanu-PF party.

However, legal experts anticipate challenges ahead, arguing that a referendum may be necessary if term limits are altered, and noting that amendments should not favor a sitting president.

Since taking power in 2017 after a military coup ousting Robert Mugabe, Mnangagwa has faced various hurdles, including disputed election results during his subsequent terms. His current five-year term is set to expire in 2028.

Previously hailed as the crocodile for his political acumen, hints regarding Mnangagwa's desire to remain in power beyond 2028 began circulating two years ago, along with chants at Zanu-PF rallies advocating for his continued leadership to complete the Agenda 2030 initiative, which he has publicly denied.

His political landscape is marked by fierce dissent within his party, particularly against the late critic Blessed Geza, also known as Bombshell, who openly condemned Mnangagwa’s ambitions. Following Geza's recent death, the government is now accelerating its legislative efforts to ensure the president's continued governance, claiming the draft law aims to enhance political stability in Zimbabwe.

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