Zimbabwe Justice Minister introduces bill to extend president's term, alter election system

Zimbabwe's Justice Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, has introduced a constitutional amendment bill that could significantly alter the country's electoral landscape and extend the tenure of 83-year-old President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The proposed legislation seeks to defer the 2028 presidential elections by two years, pushing Mnangagwa's term potentially to 2030. Furthermore, it aims to transition presidential elections from a direct popular vote to a selection process by lawmakers. The bill also proposes lengthening the terms of the president, Members of Parliament, and councilors from the current five years to seven years.

This move has intensified political tensions in Zimbabwe, a nation where government critics have frequently faced detention or harassment. Minister Ziyambi has expressed his intention to expedite the legislative process, aiming for the bill's passage by Parliament before the end of June, after which President Mnangagwa could enact it into law.

Mnangagwa has been in power since 2017, following a military-backed ouster of his predecessor, Robert Mugabe. The ruling ZANU-PF party holds a majority in Parliament, and its influence is further bolstered by relationships with a faction of the opposition. Critics contend that extending presidential terms necessitates a national referendum. However, supporters argue that Parliament possesses the authority to approve these changes, citing the continued existence of a two-term limit, albeit with extended durations for each term.

Several legal challenges to the proposed amendments are currently awaiting a ruling from Zimbabwe's Constitutional Court.

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I aim to complete the legislative process and have the measure passed by Parliament by the end of June.