Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party is proposing constitutional amendments to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term in office beyond 2028 [1].
The move could fundamentally alter the country's democratic process by removing the popular vote for the presidency and extending the tenure of the 83-year-old leader [2].
Under the current timeline, Mnangagwa's term is set to end in 2028 [1]. The proposed changes would allow him to remain in power until 2030 [2]. These amendments would also shift the selection of the next president from a general election to a parliamentary decision [1].
ZANU-PF said the changes are necessary to ensure continuity and stability within the government [3]. However, critics said the proposal is a strategy to consolidate power and weaken democratic institutions [3].
Tendai Biti, a former finance minister, said the proposals are "a lot of rubbish" [1].
Reports indicate that the push for these changes has been met with resistance. Some sources said that thousands of people who opposed the amendments have been targeted with violence [1].
There is a legal contradiction regarding how these changes can be implemented. While the ruling party seeks a parliamentary shift, other reports said that the current constitution requires voters to approve such significant changes through a referendum [3].
“The proposed changes would allow him to remain in power until 2030.”
This effort to extend the presidency suggests a deepening divide between Zimbabwe's ruling elite and the democratic aspirations of its citizenry. By shifting the presidential selection to parliament, ZANU-PF effectively removes the public's direct mandate, potentially transforming the office into an appointed position controlled by the party apparatus rather than a representative role.
