Zimbabwe senate approves presidential term extension amid 'constitutional coup' claims

The upper house of Zimbabwe’s parliament voted 75-4 to amend the constitution, extending presidential terms from five to seven years and allowing the president to remain in office until 2030. The bill, which replaces direct presidential elections with appointment by parliament, was passed by the lower house last week and the government said the president is expected to sign it into law next month.

Opponents have labelled the move a 'constitutional coup', warning it could deepen the hold on power of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Zanu-PF party. Mnangagwa, nicknamed 'the Crocodile', is 83 and won a second term in 2023 with 52.6% of the vote amid criticism of the election process; critics said the changes risk a return to the repression seen under Robert Mugabe.

Campaigners say they have faced harassment and obstacles during the consultation process.

Zimbabwe

zimbabwe, senate, constitutional amendment, presidential term, seven years, parliamentary appointment, emmerson mnangagwa, zanu-pf, constitutional coup, robert mugabe