Zimbabwe Senate approves bill to end direct presidential elections, extend term
10 reported
Zimbabwe’s Senate on Wednesday approved constitutional amendments that would remove direct presidential elections, delay the next vote, and extend the tenure of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The bill, which passed with 75 senators in favor and four opposed, would postpone elections scheduled for 2028 to 2030 and extend Mnangagwa’s term by two years. It also overhauls the presidential selection process, replacing direct popular elections with selection by lawmakers, and extends the terms of the president and members of parliament from five to seven years. Critics, including human rights lawyers, activists, and some opposition figures, argue that extending presidential terms requires approval through a referendum. Mnangagwa’s supporters counter that Parliament can enact the changes because the constitutional two-term limit would remain intact, even if each term is longer. The proposed amendments have heightened political tensions, with critics facing arrest and detention, and others alleging harassment and intimidation. The courts have yet to rule on several legal challenges to the proposal. Mnangagwa has been in power since 2017, and his ruling ZANU-PF party has championed the amendments, which require his signature to become law.
What’s reported
Zimbabwe’s Senate approved constitutional amendments on Wednesday.
The bill would remove direct presidential elections and delay the next election from 2028 to 2030.
It would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term by two years.
Seventy-five senators voted in favor, four opposed.
The bill replaces direct popular elections with selection by lawmakers.
It extends presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years.
Critics argue extending presidential terms requires a referendum; supporters say Parliament can enact the changes because the two-term limit remains intact.
Critics have faced arrest, detention, and alleged harassment and intimidation.
Courts have not yet ruled on legal challenges to the proposal.
Mnangagwa has been in power since 2017; his ZANU-PF party championed the amendments.
Key figures
President Emmerson Mnangagwa (83-year-old leader of Zimbabwe)
Robert Mugabe (Zimbabwe's longtime ruler, died in 2019, mentioned as Mnangagwa's mentor)
ZANU-PF party (ruling party that championed the amendments)
Sources: abcnews.com
