Zimbabwe MPs pass bill to extend president's time in power

Fri Jun 19 2026 12:07:07 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Zimbabwe's lower parliament approves a bill extending President Mnangagwa's term to 2030, scrapping direct elections and extending term limits to seven years.

Zimbabwe’s lower house approved a constitutional amendment that extends the president’s term from five to seven years, allowing Emmerson Mnangagwa to stay in office until 2030. It also removes direct presidential elections, with parliament electing the next president and delays parliamentary elections to 2030. The bill requires Senate approval before enactment. Critics argue the move sidesteps a national referendum and could weaken democratic accountability, while supporters say it brings stability.

Zimbabwe MPs pass bill to extend president's time in power

President Emmerson Mnangagwa was due to step down in 2028 when his second term expires.

Zimbabwe’s lower house of parliament has approved a constitutional bill that will extend the president’s term from five to seven years, allowing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030.

More than 200 lawmakers voted in favor, surpassing the two‑thirds majority required to amend the constitution, while 42 opposed.

The proposal also removes direct presidential elections; future presidents would be chosen by parliament, delays parliamentary elections from 2028 to 2030, and keeps the current president in power until 2030.

The bill is now headed to the Senate, which is expected to approve it before the president enacts it.

Opposition parties, civil society and constitutional experts argue that such changes should be put to a national referendum; the new 2013 constitution limits presidents to two terms and requires voter approval for any extension.

On Wednesday, the Constitutional Court dismissed a legal challenge aimed at blocking the legislation.

Supporters claim the amendment brings stability, while critics warn it could weaken democratic accountability and extend the power of the ruling Zanu‑PF party, which has been in power since Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980.