Zimbabwe's Senate has approved constitutional amendments that would alter the method of selecting the country's president, moving away from direct popular elections and potentially delaying the next presidential contest. The bill, which now awaits President Emmerson Mnangagwa's signature to become law, passed with 75 votes in favor and four opposed.
The proposed changes would replace direct presidential elections with selection by lawmakers and extend the terms of both the president and members of parliament from five years to seven. The legislation also schedules the next presidential election for 2030, a delay from the originally planned 2028 vote, which would extend the tenure of the 83-year-old Mnangagwa by two years.
Supporters of the amendments argue that they are permissible as long as the constitutional two-term limit for presidents remains in effect, even with extended term lengths. However, critics, including human rights lawyers, activists, and some opposition figures, contend that such significant changes to presidential term limits and election methods should require a national referendum. Legal challenges to the proposed amendments are pending in Zimbabwe's courts.
The amendments have contributed to a tense political climate in the country. Reports of arrests, detentions, harassment, and intimidation have been made against those opposing the bill.
Mnangagwa, who has been in power since 2017 following a military-backed ouster of his predecessor Robert Mugabe, had previously indicated he would step down at the end of his second term in 2028. His ruling ZANU-PF party has been the driving force behind the push for these constitutional changes, with Parliament having convened late sessions to advance the legislation. The lower house of Parliament previously voted overwhelmingly in favor of the bill last week.