Harare: Zimbabwe has moved a step closer to extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's time in office after lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment that could keep him in power until 2030. The move has sparked intense debate across the country, with supporters describing it as a step toward political stability while critics see it as a threat to democratic governance.
The lower house of parliament on Thursday passed a bill that would increase presidential terms from five years to seven years. The proposed changes would also delay the next presidential election, currently expected in 2028, until 2030. In addition, the amendment would allow the president to be elected by parliament rather than through a direct vote by citizens.
The bill received the required two thirds majority in the National Assembly, reflecting the strong position of the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front, commonly known as ZANU PF. The legislation will now move to the Senate, where the ruling party also holds a comfortable majority, making its approval highly likely.
President Mnangagwa, who is often known by his nickname "The Crocodile," came to power in 2017 after the removal of longtime leader Robert Mugabe. At the time, many Zimbabweans welcomed the change and hoped it would bring economic reforms, greater political openness, and improved living standards.
However, nearly a decade later, the country continues to face significant economic challenges. Inflation, unemployment, and a shortage of investment have remained major concerns for ordinary citizens. Opposition parties and rights groups have also accused the government of limiting political freedoms and suppressing dissent, allegations that authorities have repeatedly denied.
The latest constitutional changes have become one of the most controversial political issues in Zimbabwe. Government supporters argue that extending presidential terms would reduce the cost of frequent elections and allow leaders more time to implement long term development plans. They say political continuity is necessary for economic recovery and national stability.
Opposition leaders strongly disagree. They argue that the changes are designed to prolong Mnangagwa's stay in power and weaken democratic institutions. Critics have also expressed concern about the proposal to remove direct presidential elections, saying it would reduce the influence of ordinary voters in choosing the country's leader.
The controversy has extended beyond opposition parties. Some former liberation war veterans and political figures who once supported the ruling establishment have publicly questioned the proposed reforms. Their criticism highlights growing divisions within Zimbabwe's political landscape as discussions about future leadership continue.
Political analysts say the debate is being watched closely across Africa because it reflects a wider trend in which leaders seek constitutional changes to extend their rule. Similar debates over presidential term limits have emerged in several countries across the continent in recent years, often leading to political tensions and public protests.
If the Senate approves the bill, opponents are expected to challenge the changes through legal and political channels. Some constitutional experts have argued that such major reforms should be put to a national referendum rather than being decided solely through parliamentary votes.
For now, the government appears confident that the legislation will become law. Yet the growing criticism from opposition groups, civil society organisations, and some former allies suggests that the debate over Zimbabwe's political future is far from over.
As the country moves toward another important constitutional milestone, many Zimbabweans will be closely watching how the proposed changes affect the nation's democracy, governance, and leadership in the years ahead.