Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa Faces Bill to Extend Term to 2030

Zimbabwe’s Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi introduced a constitutional amendment (Bill No. 3) in Parliament that would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure to 2030, lengthen presidential, parliamentary, councilor and mayor terms from five to seven years, and shift the election of the president from a direct popular vote to selection by lawmakers. The bill, gazetted in February 2026 and tabled on 2 June 2026, has sparked intense debate. Critics argue the changes undermine popular democracy and may require a referendum, while supporters contend parliament can approve the measures and the two‑term limit would remain.

A parliamentary joint committee reported that 540,037 written submissions were received on the amendment, with about 99.5 % supporting its key provisions, including the term extensions and parliamentary election of the president. The committee nonetheless did not endorse every clause, retaining the Gender Commission and maintaining a ban on traditional leaders’ partisan politics. Opposition groups, civil‑society organisations and retired generals have warned against the bill, and reports of intimidation against opponents have surfaced. The Constitutional Court has not yet ruled on several legal challenges.