Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed into law legislation extending his term in office by 2 years to 2030. Image: File
President Emmerson Mnangagwa
Zimbabwe's Mnangagwa signs law extending presidency to 2030
The constitutional changes postpone the 2028 general election, extend presidential terms and shift the election of the president from voters to Parliament.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed the controversial Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Act into law, extending his term in office by two years to 2030 and introducing sweeping changes to the country's electoral system.
The legislation postpones Zimbabwe's next general election from 2028 to 2030, increases presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years, and abolishes the direct election of the president by voters. Instead, future presidents will be elected by Members of Parliament.
The new law also expands the powers of the presidency and introduces changes to the country's electoral and judicial systems, including the creation of a new electoral delimitation commission and amendments affecting judicial appointments.
The constitutional amendments have sparked widespread criticism from opposition parties, civil society organisations and constitutional experts, who argue the changes weaken democratic accountability by removing the public's right to directly elect the country's leader.
Critics have also questioned whether such far-reaching constitutional reforms should have been subjected to a national referendum.
The changes are also expected to reshape Zimbabwe's political succession. Political analysts say the amendments significantly reduce the prospects of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga succeeding Mnangagwa through a national election, while making it more difficult for opposition parties to secure the presidency under the new parliamentary voting system.
The ruling ZANU-PF holds a parliamentary majority, strengthening its influence over future presidential elections. Critics also argue that constituency boundary changes implemented ahead of the 2023 elections have further consolidated the party's electoral advantage.
Mnangagwa, who came to power in 2017 after the military removed former president Robert Mugabe, had previously stated that he would step down when his second term ended in 2028. The new constitutional amendments, however, allow him to remain in office until 2030.
