Zimbabwe Parliament Considers Bill to Extend President Mnangagwa’s Term to 2030

On June 2, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi introduced a constitutional amendment that would push President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term from its scheduled end in 2028 to 2030, extend all five-year terms for presidents, MPs, mayors and councilors to seven years, and replace direct presidential elections with a parliamentary vote. A second-reading debate is set for the next session; Reuters cites Wednesday, Straits Times Tuesday. ZANU-PF’s two-thirds majority in both chambers gives it numbers to amend the constitution.

Business Insider

ZANU-PF has ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980, first under Robert Mugabe and then President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took power after the 2017 coup. Mnangagwa, 83, is completing his second five-year term. The amendment would extend each term to seven years, allowing him to stay until 2030. Zimbabwe’s 2025 gold exports hit a record $4.61 billion, highlighting the economic stakes of political stability.

The Straits Times

The amendment’s passage could affect Zimbabwe’s investment climate; the 2025 gold export record of $4.61 billion highlights the economy’s mineral dependence. Supporters argue longer terms provide policy continuity for long-term development programmes, while critics warn the changes may entrench the ruling party’s grip on power and undermine democratic governance.

Business Insider

Government officials say the amendment refines governance structures and should be completed by the end of June. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi noted the process will take about a month, has notified the Speaker, and expects a Wednesday second reading with time for committee-driven debate.

Zimbabwe to Consider Bill on Presidential Term Extension

Opponents say the changes would erode democratic accountability and concentrate power. Retired generals and senior civil servants warn that a longer tenure could weaken checks on the presidency. War veterans and activists have petitioned the Constitutional Court, calling for a national referendum and arguing that shifting elections to parliament undermines direct popular participation.

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Sources disagree on the second-reading date—Reuters cites Wednesday, Straits Times Tuesday. Committee timelines and the court’s pending judgment are not yet disclosed.

Zimbabwe to Consider Bill on Presidential Term Extension

• “whoever wins, wins” — President Emmerson Mnangagwa

UsNews and World Report

• “the constitutional review process is aimed at refining governance structures, although the proposals have continued to generate debate across different sectors.” — Government official (von.gov.ng)

Zimbabwe to Consider Bill on Presidential Term Extension

• “he has already notified the Speaker of Parliament and expects the second reading to follow on Wednesday, with MPs given space to debate the proposals once parliamentary committees present their findings” — Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi

Zimbabwe to Consider Bill on Presidential Term Extension

The bill will move to a second reading, committee scrutiny and a third reading before a final vote. If passed, Mnangagwa can sign the amendment into law, extending his term to 2030. The Constitutional Court’s pending decision and possible public protests may affect the legislative timetable.

Zimbabwe to Consider Bill on Presidential Term Extension