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Zimbabwe government has approved draft legislation that could allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond his current term which ends in 2028. The proposal has already sparked legal and political debate across the country.
President Mnangagwa who is 83 years old came to power in 2017 following the removal of long time leader Robert Mugabe. He later won elections in 2018 and again in 2023 although the most recent vote was disputed by opposition groups.
What the Proposed Law Would Change
Under the approved draft bill, presidents would no longer be elected directly by voters. Instead members of parliament would choose the head of state. The proposal also seeks to introduce a new system of two seven year terms replacing the current five year term structure.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said public consultations would take place before the bill is presented to parliament for debate. Both chambers of parliament are controlled by the ruling Zanu PF party.
Legal Concerns and Constitutional Debate
Constitutional experts have raised concerns about the legality of the proposal. They argue that changing presidential term limits requires a national referendum. Legal analysts also point out that constitutional amendments cannot be applied to benefit a sitting president.
If passed, the bill is expected to face court challenges from civil society groups and opposition parties.
Background to Term Limits in Zimbabwe
In 2013 Zimbabweans voted overwhelmingly in a referendum to adopt a new constitution. One of its key provisions introduced presidential term limits aimed at preventing extended rule similar to that of Robert Mugabe who governed from independence in 1980 until 2017.
President Mnangagwa final term under the current constitution is set to expire in 2028.
Internal Party Tensions and Public Reaction
Speculation about efforts to extend President Mnangagwa rule intensified about two years ago. Supporters at Zanu PF rallies began chanting slogans suggesting he should remain in power until 2030 to complete his Agenda 2030 development plan. The president publicly dismissed those calls at the time.
Internal opposition within Zanu PF has been significant. One of the most vocal critics Blessed Geza also known as Bombshell accused the president of nepotism and expressed regret for supporting his rise to power. Geza was expelled from the party and later died in South Africa last week.
Despite being in hiding he maintained a strong social media presence and called for protests against the government shortly before his death.
Government Response
The government says the draft law is aimed at strengthening governance and ensuring political stability. Officials insist the proposed reforms are not designed to undermine democracy but to improve leadership continuity.
Public consultations are expected to shape the final version of the bill before parliamentary debate begins.
