Zimbabwe president signs law to delay elections, extend his own term

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed constitutional amendments into law, a move that abolishes direct presidential elections and extends his tenure. The government notice issued Tuesday confirms the changes, which critics argue circumvent the need for a national referendum. Mnangagwa, 83, had previously pledged to step down when his second term ends in 2028.

The amendments, pushed through Parliament by the ruling ZANU-PF party with support from some opposition lawmakers, postpone the 2028 election by two years, effectively extending Mnangagwa's time in office until 2030. The revised constitution also removes public voting for the president, tasking lawmakers with the selection instead. Presidential and parliamentary terms are extended from five to seven years.

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These changes have drawn sharp criticism from human rights lawyers, civil society groups, opposition politicians, and some liberation war veterans. They contend that extending presidential terms requires a national referendum. Supporters, however, argue Parliament has the authority to pass these changes, as the constitutional two-term limit remains intact, even though each term is now longer.

The amendments have intensified political tensions in Zimbabwe, a nation of about 15 million people. In recent months, authorities have banned public gatherings and arrested critics of the reforms. Some individuals have also reported harassment and intimidation. Several legal challenges seeking to overturn the amendments are pending in Zimbabwean courts.

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