Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa Awaits Assent on Term-Extension Constitutional Amendment

Zimbabwe’s Senate voted overwhelmingly to approve a constitutional amendment that would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure until 2030 and lengthen presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years. The bill also proposes that the president be elected by parliament rather than by direct popular vote.

The amendment, known as Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill (CAB 3), passed both the National Assembly and the Senate with the required two‑thirds majority. Under the constitution, the Speaker of the National Assembly and the President of the Senate must now present the bill, accompanied by the necessary certificates, to President Mnangagwa, who has 21 days to sign it into law or return it to Parliament with reasons.

Opposition parties and civil‑rights groups have denounced the changes as a “constitutional coup,” warning that they entrench the ruling ZANU‑PF’s grip on power. Human Rights Watch has reported intimidation of activists opposing the amendment.