Zimbabwe extends presidential term to 2030

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed into law constitutional amendments extending his term in office by two years to 2030, according to government spokesman Nick Mangwana.

The legislation, which passed through both houses of parliament, extends presidential and parliamentary terms from five years to seven years. The next election, originally scheduled for 2028, has been postponed to 2030. The revised constitution also scraps direct presidential elections, with lawmakers now responsible for choosing the president.

The National Assembly approved the final amendments last week. The Senate passed the bill on June 24 by a vote of 75-4. The bill was returned to the National Assembly for technical adjustments before being sent to Mnangagwa for assent.

Opposition parties have criticised the changes and vowed to challenge the legislation in the Constitutional Court. Some have described the move as a “constitutional coup” that erodes democratic governance. Senior opposition figure David Coltart said the amendments violate the constitution and should have been put to a national referendum.

Mnangagwa, 83, came to power in 2017 after a military-backed coup that ousted Robert Mugabe. He was elected for two five-year terms in 2018 and 2023. His second and final term was originally due to end in 2028.

The amendments were backed by Mnangagwa’s ruling ZANU-PF party, which holds a strong majority in parliament. The government has defended the changes, saying they would enhance political stability and allow development programmes to be implemented.

Human Rights Watch said in March that authorities were using violence and intimidation against opponents of the amendments.

The United States and the European Union have expressed concern over the constitutional changes, calling for respect for democratic processes.

SOURCE: AP