Zimbabwe Parliament Advances Bill to Extend Presidential Terms to Seven Years

June 19, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Zimbabwe’s parliament has moved forward with a constitutional amendment that would extend presidential terms from five to seven years, potentially allowing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030.

The bill passed the lower house on Thursday after 216 lawmakers voted in favour, exceeding the two-thirds majority threshold of 187 votes required for approval.

The legislation will now proceed to the upper house of parliament, where it is expected to pass given the dominance of Mnangagwa’s ruling ZANU-PF party and its allies.

The proposed amendment comes as Mnangagwa, 83, approaches the end of his second term, which is currently scheduled to conclude in 2028. Supporters of the president have increasingly called for him to remain in power beyond the existing constitutional limit.

ZANU-PF backed the proposal last year as part of efforts to amend the constitution, with the plan later receiving cabinet approval in February.

Supporters of the change argue that extending presidential terms would improve continuity, accountability and political stability. Critics, however, have accused the government of using constitutional reform as a means to prolong Mnangagwa’s presidency.

The bill’s passage through parliament has renewed debate over Zimbabwe’s political transition and the future of leadership in the country after years of rule by ZANU-PF.

Source: FSX Business News