DistantNews
Support us
Zimbabwe opposition rejects bill to extend presidential term
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Elections & Politics

Zimbabwe opposition rejects bill to extend presidential term

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Zimbabwe's opposition parties and activists reject a proposed bill to extend the presidential term from five to seven years.
  • Critics, including former Finance Minister Tendai Biti, call the amendment an attack on democratic achievements.
  • The bill, passed in its first reading in the National Assembly, now moves to the Senate, facing strong political opposition.

Zimbabwe's main opposition parties and activist groups have strongly condemned a bill that seeks to extend the presidential term from five to seven years. The Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 passed its first reading in the National Assembly on Thursday, but faces fierce resistance from those who view it as a move to consolidate power.

Tendai Biti, a former finance minister and leader of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Lawyers (ZimRights), stated that the constitution belongs to the people and any attempt to manipulate it for political gain is an attack on democratic progress. He argued that such changes undermine the sacrifices made over decades to achieve democracy in the country.

The Constitution of Zimbabwe belongs to the people of Zimbabwe, and any attempt to manipulate it for petty political interests constitutes an attack on the democratic achievements attained after decades of sacrifice.

— Tendai BitiExpressing opposition to the constitutional amendment bill.

Other opposition leaders echoed Biti's sentiments. Douglas Mwonzora of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) described the bill as a weapon against ordinary citizens, including vendors and minibus drivers, and asserted it lacks public support. Jameson Timba of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) called the measure "unpopular" and incompatible with democratic principles.

It is a weapon against street vendors, against minibus drivers, against retirees and (...) it does not have the support of the citizens.

— Douglas MwonzoraStating his disapproval of the bill.

Former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa criticized 35 parliamentarians from his former party who voted in favor of the amendment, labeling their actions a "shameful betrayal." Even a group of retired army generals, led by Air Marshal Henry Muchena, distanced themselves from the bill, arguing it violates the "one man, one vote" principle fought for during Zimbabwe's independence.

The bill's passage through the National Assembly, where the ruling ZANU-PF holds a majority, is a significant step. It will now proceed to the Senate for consideration. If approved without changes, it will return to the lower house for a final reading before being sent to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for assent. Mnangagwa, 83, is nearing the end of his second and constitutionally final term in August 2028, fueling speculation that this amendment aims to extend his tenure.

shameful betrayal

— Nelson ChamisaDescribing the vote by 35 parliamentarians from his former party in favor of the amendment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog