Zimbabwe Cabinet Approves Plan to Extend President Mnangagwas Term Until 2030

Zimbabwe’s Cabinet Approves Draft Legislation to Extend Presidential Terms

The cabinet of President Emmerson Mnangagwa has approved draft legislation that would change the constitution to extend presidential terms from five years to seven, allowing Mr. Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030. The proposed changes also include a provision that the president be elected by parliament rather than through a direct popular vote.

The bill will be sent to the speaker of parliament and published in an official gazette before lawmakers consider it. According to a cabinet statement, the amendments aim to “enhance political stability and policy continuity” to allow development programmes to be implemented to completion.

President Mnangagwa is currently set to step down in 2028 after serving two five-year terms. However, there has been a succession battle within the ruling ZANU-PF party over who will take his place. Opposition politicians have condemned the move, with some pledging to “defend the constitution against its capture”.

A group called Defend the Constitution Platform has announced plans to consult lawyers and brief regional and international partners as part of efforts to oppose the changes. Analysts and opposition figures have noted that any constitutional changes would require a national referendum.

President Mnangagwa was elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2023, but has faced criticism for alleged corruption and human rights abuses. Demonstrations against the plan to extend his term were met with police crackdowns, resulting in arrests of several individuals. The opposition has vowed to continue its efforts to challenge the proposed changes.

Source: Al Jazeera