Zimbabwe MPs pass bill to extend president's time in power

Lead

Zimbabwe's lower house of parliament has passed a constitutional amendment that would extend presidential terms from five to seven years, a move that would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030. The bill, known as the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, also proposes replacing direct presidential elections with a vote by parliament.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from Africa News, Al Jazeera, AllAfrica, and BBC — World indicate that the bill passed the National Assembly on Thursday with a two-thirds majority. AllAfrica reported that 216 legislators voted in favour and 42 against, a figure echoed by Al Jazeera and BBC — World. Africa News gave a slightly different count, reporting 218 lawmakers voted in favour, but the threshold for passage was 187 votes, as noted by multiple sources.

The bill now proceeds to the Senate, where it is also expected to secure the necessary two-thirds majority. AllAfrica noted that the ruling party controls both the National Assembly and the Senate.

Key Claims

The amendment, as described by AllAfrica and other outlets, extends the terms of the president, members of parliament, councillors, and mayors from five to seven years. The bill also proposes to shift presidential elections from direct popular vote to selection by lawmakers, a provision that Al Jazeera and BBC — World highlighted. This change would postpone elections due in 2028 to 2030, effectively extending Mnangagwa's term, which was set to end in 2028.

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, the bill's sponsor, has defended the reforms. Speaking in parliament, he argued that the bill addresses governance challenges, including disputed presidential elections, policy paralysis from perpetual electioneering, corruption linked to political instability, the politicisation of the public service, and national polarisation, as reported by AllAfrica. Ziyambi criticized legislators opposed to the bill, accusing them of focusing on one aspect while ignoring these broader issues.

Critics, including opposition parties, civil society groups, and constitutional lawyers, argue that such fundamental changes should be put to a national referendum rather than approved solely through parliament, according to BBC — World. Al Jazeera reported that critics say the bill would weaken democratic accountability and further entrench the ruling party's grip on power.

Perspectives

Government and Bill Supporters: Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi defended the bill, saying it is "not an abandonment of our constitutional order in any way, shape or form but a continuation of it." He argued that the reforms address governance challenges and denied that the bill gives the president a term extension or a third term, takes away the right to vote, or concentrates power in the president's hands, as quoted by Al Jazeera's source text.

Opponents and Critics: Opposition parties, civil society groups, and constitutional lawyers argue that the changes should be put to a national referendum. Critics say the bill would weaken democratic accountability and entrench the ruling party's dominance. One Harare resident, Barnabas Gura, told Al Jazeera, "Only 210 members of parliament vote on behalf of a population of 15 million. It is preposterous."