Zimbabwe Parliament Extends President Mnangagwa’s Term to 2030, Scraps Direct Elections

Zimbabwe’s National Assembly approved a constitutional amendment that will extend presidential terms from five to seven years and remove direct presidential elections, giving President Emmerson Mnangagwa a fourth term until 2030.

Over 200 lawmakers voted in favour, exceeding the two‑thirds threshold required for a constitutional change. The amendment also delays the next parliamentary elections from 2028 to 2030.

Key Provisions

• Presidential term extended to seven years.
• Future presidents chosen by Parliament, not by direct vote.
• Parliamentary elections postponed to 2030.
• Mnangagwa’s second term expires in 2028; with the change, he remains in office until 2030.

Opposition parties and civil society groups argue that such sweeping changes should be put to a national referendum, not solely approved by Parliament.

The amendment passed the Senate and awaits presidential assent, while a Constitutional Court recently dismissed a legal challenge to the bill.

Supporters say the changes are necessary for stability; critics warn they could erode democratic accountability.