Zimbabwe's ruling party has taken a major step towards consolidating its power with the passage of a contentious bill that seeks to extend presidential terms from five to seven years. The legislation, which also does away with direct elections for the presidency, sailed through parliament on Thursday, securing the required two-thirds majority with 204 votes in favour and 42 against.
The bill's progression is seen as a triumph for President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took office in 2017 following Robert Mugabe's ousting. Mnangagwa, now 83, would effectively remain in power until at least 2030 if the changes are approved by the Senate and enacted into law. The Zanu-PF party has been in power since Zimbabwe's independence from Britain in 1980, with critics accusing it of eroding democratic institutions.
Opposition parties, civil society groups, and constitutional lawyers have condemned the proposed amendments as a threat to democracy. They argue that parliament should not unilaterally alter the constitution without a national referendum. Under existing laws, presidential elections are scheduled for 2028, but these changes would see them scrapped in favour of parliamentary selection. Parliamentary polls originally set for 2028 will also be delayed until 2030.
The constitutional overhaul has reignited debate over Zimbabwe's democratic trajectory. While supporters claim the amendments are essential for continuity and stability, opponents warn that they will undermine accountability and democratic principles. Mnangagwa initially promised to restore economic growth and good governance when he took power in 2017, but his tenure has been marked by controversy and decline in democratic freedoms.
A 2013 constitution had introduced a two-term limit for presidents and required any extension to be ratified through a national referendum. The passage of this bill has heightened concerns that Zimbabwe's democracy is slipping further into authoritarianism, with potential implications for the UK's diplomatic relations with Harare and trade ties.