Harare, Zimbabwe — The lower house of Zimbabwe’s parliament has passed a bill to extend presidential terms from five to seven years, a decision that has ignited a national debate and raised concerns about the country’s political trajectory.
The legislation, which received the support of over 200 lawmakers, is set to allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030, surpassing the original term limit set by the 2013 constitution.
The bill, known as CAB3, was introduced by Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and has been backed by the ruling ZANU-PF party, which has held power since independence in 1980. Proponents argue that the extension is necessary for stability and to allow Mnangagwa to pursue his economic and political agenda without the electoral interruptions that have historically plagued the nation. Opponents, however, fear that the amendment could erode democratic accountability and lead to a concentration of power.
They warn that the change could set a precedent for further democratic backsliding in the region.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where it is expected to pass given the ZANU — PF’s control over the upper house.
The proposed amendment has sparked international concern, with some countries voicing worries about the potential impact on Zimbabwe’s democratic institutions.
The current constitution, adopted in 2013, limited presidential terms to two, with any extension requiring voter approval in a referendum.
The Constitutional Court recently dismissed a legal challenge to the bill, paving the way for its progression.
As Zimbabwe awaits the Senate’s decision, the nation remains divided on the implications of the bill for its political future and its commitment to democratic values.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: BBC Africa
