Zimbabwe Parliament debates bill to extend President Mnangagwa's term

Zimbabwe’s Parliament is debating Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which would lengthen presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years, potentially allowing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030. Critics, including civil‑society groups, legal organisations and opposition MPs, warn the measure undermines democratic accountability.

A source close to Vice‑President Constantino Chiwenga said the bill has brought the country "close to a civil war" and highlighted factional fighting within ZANU‑PF. Chiwenga, while not publicly opposing the bill, has hinted at the need for one‑person‑one‑vote and warned against overstaying in power. Allegations have surfaced that businessmen such as Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Wicknell Chivayo are financing efforts to secure legislators’ support, with reports of a US$31 million fund aimed at pushing the amendment through.