Zimbabwe Cabinet Approves Draft Bill That Could Extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Term and Alter Election Process in Harare

Zimbabwe’s political landscape could be on the verge of a major shake-up after the country’s Cabinet approved draft legislation that would extend presidential terms from five to seven years.

The proposed bill, presented on Tuesday in Harare, has the potential to allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030, significantly reshaping the nation’s electoral calendar and succession planning.

Proposal Shifts Presidential Vote to Parliament

One of the most controversial aspects of the bill is a change to the presidential election process.

Under the draft legislation, the president would no longer be elected by a direct popular vote.

Instead, Members of Parliament would vote to elect the nation’s leader, with an absolute majority required to win and a run-off system in place if no candidate reaches that threshold.

The procedure would be overseen by the Chief Justice or another designated judge, following Parliament’s Standing Rules and Orders.

Dr. Jenfan Muswere, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information, emphasized that the amendment would alter both the method of election and the length of presidential terms, making it one of the most significant constitutional reforms since the adoption of the 2013 Constitution.

Mnangagwa’s Position and Party Dynamics

Currently serving his second five-year term, Mnangagwa is legally required to step down in 2028.

He assumed office following the military-backed removal of longtime leader Robert Mugabe in November 2017.

The proposed changes would effectively delay the leadership transition, easing pressures within the ruling ZANU-PF party as factions jostle for influence ahead of the anticipated succession battle.

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Analysts suggest that extending the presidential term and changing the electoral system could consolidate Mnangagwa’s grip on power, giving him a stronger position to influence party dynamics and succession planning within ZANU-PF.

Opposition Voices Alarm

Opposition figures have been swift in condemning the move.

Jameson Timba, a senior leader within the Defend the Constitution Platform, described the bill as “politically destabilising” and signaled plans to consult legal experts while engaging regional and international partners to challenge the proposed amendments.

Critics argue that extending the presidential term and shifting elections away from a popular vote undermines democratic principles and erodes accountability mechanisms in the country.

Observers also note that similar constitutional changes in other African nations have historically triggered public protests and regional scrutiny, suggesting that Zimbabwe could face heightened political tension if the amendments move forward.

Regional and International Implications

The African Union and Southern African Development Community (SADC) have long emphasized the importance of upholding democratic norms.

Changes that prolong a sitting president’s tenure or reduce public participation in elections could attract attention from regional bodies and impact Zimbabwe’s diplomatic relationships, foreign aid considerations, and investor confidence.

What’s Next?

The draft bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament in the coming weeks, where lawmakers will debate its provisions.

Given the contentious nature of extending term limits and altering the voting process, public protests, opposition legal challenges, and regional diplomatic commentary are likely.

If passed, Mnangagwa could legally remain in power until 2030, significantly influencing Zimbabwe’s political trajectory leading up to the next elections.

Observers will also be closely watching how ZANU-PF manages internal party dynamics, as younger and opposition-aligned factions may push back against moves seen as consolidating the current president’s authority.

Summary

Zimbabwe’s Cabinet has approved draft legislation that could extend presidential terms from five to seven years and shift the election process from a popular vote to a parliamentary vote.

If enacted, the bill would allow Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030 and could alter the nation’s political landscape.

Opposition leaders have condemned the changes as destabilising, and regional bodies may weigh in.

The bill will soon be presented to Parliament, where debate and potential legal challenges are expected to follow.