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Cabinet approves draft law to extend presidential terms
Zimbabwe's government has endorsed proposed legislation that would permit President Emmerson Mnangagwa, 83, to remain in office until at least 2030, according to Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
Key changes in the draft bill
The new rules would replace direct presidential elections with a parliamentary selection process. Presidents would serve two seven-year terms instead of the current five-year limit. Public consultations are scheduled before the bill moves to parliament, where the ruling Zanu-PF party holds a majority in both chambers.
Legal challenges expected
Constitutional experts argue that altering term limits requires a national referendum and that amendments cannot apply to a sitting president. Mnangagwa, who took power in 2017 after a military-backed ousting of longtime leader Robert Mugabe, won a second term in 2023 amid disputed election results. His current term is set to end in 2028.
Historical context and political tensions
In 2013, Zimbabweans overwhelmingly approved a constitution introducing presidential term limits, a response to Mugabe's decades-long rule since the country's 1980 independence. Mnangagwa, once Mugabe's deputy, later fell out with him over the former first lady's political ambitions.
Rumors of Mnangagwa's desire to extend his tenure surfaced two years ago, with supporters at Zanu-PF rallies chanting, "2030 he will still be the leader." The president has publicly dismissed the idea, framing his potential extended rule as necessary to complete his "Agenda 2030" development program.
Criticism and recent opposition
Mnangagwa has faced internal resistance, including from Blessed Geza, a prominent war veteran and Zanu-PF central committee member. Geza, known as "Bombshell," publicly condemned Mnangagwa's bid to stay in power, accusing him of nepotism and apologizing for helping him rise to office. Expelled from the party and forced into hiding, Geza continued criticizing the president on social media until his death last week in South Africa.
"At a time when silence would have been easier, he chose to speak out against corruption and nepotism that continue to undermine the promise of independence."
Andrease Ethan Mathibela, Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association
Government's stated rationale
The administration claims the draft law aims to strengthen governance and ensure political stability. Critics, however, view it as a move to consolidate power amid growing dissent.
