As Zimbabwe's upper house of parliament backs amendments extending presidential terms from five to seven years, fears of a 'constitutional coup' are mounting among critics who see it as a brazen attempt by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to consolidate power and potentially remain in office until 2030. The Senate voted 75-4 in favour of the changes, which would also introduce a contentious provision replacing direct presidential elections with an appointment process by parliament.
The move has been widely condemned by opposition figures and civil society groups who argue it strips citizens of their fundamental right to directly elect their president, instead giving power to what they describe as a 'captured legislature'. The proposed changes come hot on the heels of Mr Mnangagwa's second term in 2023, secured with 52.6% of the vote amidst criticism from international observers and opposition parties regarding the fairness of the election.
Critics point to the parallels between these developments and the era of former President Robert Mugabe, who resigned in 2017 after 37 years in power following a coup led by Mr Mnangagwa. 'We fear Zimbabwe is heading back down the path of authoritarian rule,' warned Makomborero Haruzivishe, spokesperson for the Constitutional Defenders Forum (CDF), which has been actively campaigning against the amendments.
The Zimbabwean government, however, disputes these claims. Nick Mangwana, permanent secretary in Zimbabwe's information ministry, dismissed allegations of a 'coup' as factually incorrect and disrespectful to the country's sovereign parliamentary processes. He maintained that the primary goal of the amendments is to enhance political stability and ensure policy continuity, arguing that they will reduce the frequency of highly contested and polarising elections.
Opponents of the amendment bill have reported facing harassment and intimidation, with Tendai Biti, a convenor for the CDF, claiming security forces repeatedly entered his office. Lawyer Lovemore Madhuku, who challenged the amendment bill in the constitutional court, also reported being assaulted by unidentified men in March – an incident he linked to his opposition activities.
While the police denied involvement in these specific incidents, Mr Mangwana urged anyone with credible evidence of a government cover-up to come forward. The fate of the amendments now rests in the hands of President Mnangagwa, who is expected to sign them off next month. If implemented, they would significantly alter Zimbabwe's political landscape and have far-reaching implications for the country's democratic future.