Cabinet Approves Bill To Extend Mnangagwa’s Term & Change Constitution To Remove Presidential Elections

Zimbabwe Cabinet Approves Bill To Scrap Presidential Elections

Zimbabwe’s cabinet has approved a sweeping new bill that would extend presidential terms and fundamentally alter how the nation’s leader is chosen. The draft legislation, backed on Tuesday, proposes extending terms from five to seven years, potentially allowing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030. In a major shift, it also seeks to remove direct presidential elections, proposing instead that future heads of state be elected by parliament.

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi confirmed the cabinet’s decision. He stated the bill would now proceed to the legislative stages.

Ziyambi Ziyambi said:

“The bill will be sent to the speaker of parliament and published in an official gazette before lawmakers consider it.”

President Mnangagwa, 83, is currently set to conclude his second and final five-year term in 2028. The proposed change to a seven-year term would reset the clock, making him eligible for two more terms starting from the next election. The ZimLive report details that the ruling Zanu PF party, which holds a commanding two-thirds parliamentary majority, is driving the changes.

Legal Experts And Opposition Condemn “New Constitution”

The proposed amendments have sparked immediate and fierce condemnation from constitutional lawyers and opposition figures. They argue the changes are so profound they effectively create a new constitution without the required public referendum.

Prominent lawyer Thabani Mpofu was scathing in his assessment. He argued the process exceeds parliamentary authority.

Thabani Mpofu said:

“Zanu PF is not seeking to amend the constitution; it is attempting to introduce an entirely new constitution outside people participation and a referendum – a step it plainly has no right to take. A constitution is enacted by the people as a whole, not by a single political party or faction.”

Professor Lovemore Madhuku, a leading constitutional law expert, pledged to mobilise public rejection of the bill. He represents the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) party.

Professor Lovemore Madhuku added:

“The proposed constitutional amendments are totally unacceptable. The movers of these proposals have no respect for the people. The NCA party and I will be counted among those who will be at the forefront of mobilising for the total rejection of these proposals.”

A Guaranteed Court Battle Looms

The government’s path is set for a significant legal challenge. Justice Minister Ziyambi has publicly stated that he believes a national referendum is not necessary to enact these changes. This stance directly contradicts the views of many legal scholars and is expected to be tested in the courts.

A coalition opposing the bill is already forming. Jameson Timba, a former opposition senator, announced the response from a group called the Defend the Constitution Platform.

Jameson Timba stated that the cabinet’s approval was “politically destabilising”. He confirmed the group would immediately consult lawyers and brief regional and international partners to oppose the amendments.

The bill includes other far-reaching changes. These include abolishing the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, removing public interviews for judges, allowing the president to appoint more senators, and permitting traditional leaders to engage openly in partisan politics.