Key facts
- Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed constitutional amendments into law.
- The amendments abolish direct presidential elections and postpone the next vote.
- Mnangagwa's tenure is effectively extended to 2030.
- Presidential terms and parliamentary terms are extended from five to seven years.
- Critics argue the changes require a national referendum for approval.
Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed into law constitutional amendments that abolish direct presidential elections and extend his tenure, according to a government notice. Mnangagwa, 83, will now remain in office until 2030, as the next election, originally scheduled for 2028, has been postponed by two years. The revised constitution also shifts the selection of the president from public vote to lawmakers and extends presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years.
The amendments were pushed through Parliament by Mnangagwa's ruling ZANU-PF party, with support from some opposition lawmakers. Critics, including human rights lawyers, civil society groups, and opposition politicians, argue that such significant changes to presidential terms require approval through a national referendum. Supporters contend that Parliament had the authority to pass the changes as the two-term limit remains unchanged, though each term is now longer.
The changes have intensified political tensions in Zimbabwe. In recent months, authorities have banned public meetings and arrested critics of the reforms, with some alleging harassment and intimidation. Several legal challenges seeking to overturn the amendments are pending in Zimbabwe's courts.
Mnangagwa has led Zimbabwe since 2017, following the military-backed ouster of his predecessor, Robert Mugabe.