Zimbabwe proposes constitutional amendments to extend presidential terms to seven years

Zimbabwe has gazetted the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment) Bill No. 3, a legislative proposal that seeks to extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years. This change would shift the next general election from 2028 to 2030, extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure.

The bill proposes replacing direct presidential elections with a selection process by a joint sitting of parliament. It also grants the sitting president the authority to appoint the chief justice and the head of the anti-corruption commission. Additionally, the amendment includes a provision criminalizing ‘unauthorised communication’ with foreign entities, a clause that critics argue could target journalists and scholars.

ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa defended the amendment, stating it was necessary to prevent the country from being ‘ambushed’ by detractors during the 2028 election cycle. Political observers suggest the move may also serve to limit the political ambitions of Deputy President Constantino Chiwenga, amid reported factional divisions within the ruling party.