Zimbabwe’s Senate has approved constitutional amendments that would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure until 2030 and lengthen presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years. The legislation also proposes replacing direct presidential elections with parliamentary selection. The bill, championed by Mnangagwa’s ZANU-PF party, which holds a commanding majority, now awaits his signature. The amendments shift political leverage toward the executive and the ruling party, reinforcing institutions already dominated by ZANU-PF. Critics describe the changes as a constitutional power grab that weakens accountability and voter influence. In the longer term, the reforms could reshape Zimbabwe’s political landscape by reducing electoral competitiveness, increasing concerns over governance and human rights, and potentially affecting the country’s international standing and investment climate.
Al Jazeera