Zimbabwe’s Senate approved constitutional amendments on Wednesday that will extend presidential terms from five to seven years, allowing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030. The bill also includes provisions for presidents to be elected by parliament rather than through direct popular vote.
Key Takeaways
Zimbabwe's Senate approved sweeping constitutional amendments that extend presidential terms and delay elections until 2030. The bill allows President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stay in power longer.
- Zimbabwe’s Senate passed a bill extending presidential terms from five to seven years, allowing Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030.
- Seventy-five senators voted in favor of the amendments, while four opposed it.
- The bill also includes provisions for presidents to be elected by parliament rather than direct popular vote.
- Critics argue that extending presidential terms requires approval through a referendum.
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▼Source Claims Check
High ConsensusAll 4 publishers report consistent facts across 2 key claims.
| Claim | Status | Reason | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vote Count | Broad Agreement | 75 senators voted in favor of the amendments. | |
| Bill Provisions | Broad Agreement | Bill extends presidential terms to seven years and changes election method. |
Vote Count
Broad Agreement75 senators voted in favor of the amendments.
Bill Provisions
Broad AgreementBill extends presidential terms to seven years and changes election method.
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The legislation passed with a significant majority, as seventy-five senators voted in favor while four opposed it. According to TimesLIVE, the bill will become law once Mnangagwa signs it. The ruling party, ZANU-PF, has championed these amendments, which also extend parliamentary terms from five to seven years.
The proposed changes have sparked political tensions in Zimbabwe. Critics argue that extending presidential terms requires approval through a referendum and accuse the government of using intimidation tactics against opposition figures. According to Al Jazeera, activists opposing the amendments have reported harassment, violence, and arrests by suspected state agents.
The bill has faced legal challenges but none have been successful so far. The lower house overwhelmingly voted for the bill last week, with 216 lawmakers voting in favor and 42 against it. Mnangagwa came to power after a military coup ousted longtime leader Robert Mugabe in 2017.
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