Zimbabwe To Remove Direct Presidential Elections Under Planned Constitutional Amendments For 20230 Agenda
Zimbabwe is moving towards ending direct presidential elections under far-reaching constitutional amendments that would see Parliament choose the Head of State, extend presidential terms to seven years, and significantly alter succession rules, all under plans tied to what has been described as the 20230 Agenda.
The proposals are contained in a planned Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill, 2026, which Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi is expected to place before Cabinet on Tuesday, 10 February 2026. The changes would fundamentally reshape how political power is acquired and transferred in Zimbabwe.
Parliament To Choose The President
At the centre of the proposed reforms is the repeal of Section 92 of the Constitution, which currently provides for the direct election of the president by voters.
Under the draft amendments, the president would instead be elected by a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the Senate, through a majority vote, either after general elections or when a vacancy arises.
Ziyambi argues in the memorandum that the change is aimed at stabilising governance.
“Longer terms and an adjusted electoral model will reduce election mode toxicity and allow government sufficient time to implement national programmes,” the memorandum states.
ZimLive reports that members of Parliament would hold decisive power in selecting the president, effectively removing the popular vote from the process.
Seven-Year Terms And Succession Changes
The bill also proposes extending the term of office for both the president and Parliament from five to seven years. If adopted, this could allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is currently serving his second and final term under existing provisions, to remain in office beyond 2028 and up to 2030.
The memorandum frames this as a matter of policy continuity rather than personal benefit.
“Seven-year terms promote stability, reduce frequent electoral disruptions and support long-term planning,” Ziyambi writes.
Succession rules would also change. Instead of a vice president automatically taking over when a vacancy occurs, Parliament would elect a new president within a defined period.
Analysts quoted by ZimLive say this could reshape internal dynamics within the ruling party, particularly around Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who has often been mentioned as a potential successor.
Courts, Commissions And Referendum Debate
The proposed amendments have already sparked legal and political debate. Lawyers argue that such changes may require a public referendum. Ziyambi, however, has publicly stated that a referendum will not be necessary.
A Constitutional Court application, allegedly linked to Zanu PF and fronted by Ibhetshu LikaZulu secretary general Mbuso Fuzwayo, is expected to address whether a referendum is constitutionally required. The matter could be decided before Chief Justice Luke Malaba’s retirement on 14 May 2026.
Other changes include expanding the Senate by allowing the president to appoint 10 additional senators, abolishing the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, disbanding the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission, shifting voter registration from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to the Registrar-General, and allowing traditional leaders to engage in partisan politics.
“These amendments will reinforce constitutional governance, strengthen democratic structures and harmonise institutional mandates,” Ziyambi argues.
If adopted, the reforms would mark the most extensive constitutional overhaul since the current Constitution came into effect in 2013.
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The post Zimbabwe To Scrap Presidential Elections Under Planned Constitutional Amendments For 2030 Agenda appeared first on iHarare News.
