Zimbabwe Parliament passes bill to extend presidential term to seven years

Zimbabwe’s lower house of parliament voted 216‑42 to approve a constitutional amendment that would extend presidential terms from five to seven years and replace direct popular elections with selection by lawmakers. The change would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030 without a new election. The bill now moves to the Senate for further approval before requiring presidential assent. Opposition parties, civil‑society groups and constitutional lawyers have condemned the measure as a power grab and have called for a national referendum, while supporters argue it will provide policy continuity and stability.

The amendment also delays the next parliamentary election from 2028 to 2030, consolidating ZANU‑PF’s control over Zimbabwe’s political timeline.