Zimbabwe Lawmakers Approve Bill to Extend Presidential Terms

Members of Zimbabwe’s lower house of parliament have voted in favor of a bill that seeks to extend the presidential term limit from five to seven years. The legislation, which passed with 216 votes, surpassing the required two-thirds majority, is seen by many as a move to enable President Emmerson Mnangagwa, 83, to extend his tenure beyond his second term, which concludes in 2028.

The proposed changes are expected to advance to the upper house, where President Mnangagwa’s ZANU-PF party holds a significant majority, making further approval likely. This legislative development follows signals from Mnangagwa’s supporters over the past two years, who have publicly called for him to have more time to implement his agenda.

The ZANU-PF party officially resolved to pursue constitutional amendments to lengthen presidential terms last year, receiving cabinet endorsement in February. While proponents of the bill argue it will enhance accountability and promote political stability, critics contend it is a strategy for Mnangagwa to prolong his stay in power.

Mnangagwa, known as “the Crocodile” for his perceived stealth and ruthlessness, ascended to power following a military-backed ousting of Robert Mugabe in 2017. Mugabe had led the nation since its independence in 1980. Despite legal challenges from some activists and war veterans aimed at preventing the term extension, these were dismissed by the courts on procedural grounds.

This move by Zimbabwe mirrors trends seen in other African nations, such as Cameroon and Uganda, where leaders have altered laws to extend their time in office, raising concerns about democratic practices on the continent.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)