Zimbabwe’s lower house of parliament has passed a bill that would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030.
The bill seeks to extend the country’s presidential term from five to seven years. It also proposes shifting presidential elections from direct popular vote to selection by lawmakers.
About 216 representatives in the national assembly voted in favour of the draft legislation on Thursday, passing the 187 mark needed for a two-thirds majority. It has to be approved by the senate, where it is also expected to pass.
Mnangagwa, 83, took power in 2017 after ousting long-time ruler Robert Mugabe with the backing of the military. He won the heavily disputed elections in 2018 and 2023.
Mnangagwa’s rule has been described as a dictatorship by critics, with a record marked by both economic reform efforts and severe democratic backsliding.
With elections delayed and presidential
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