Zimbabwe Cabinet Approves Draft Bill to Extend Presidential Term Until 2030
Politics Updated: 11 February 2026 13:48 EAT
Zimbabwean cabinet sitting
Zimbabwe’s Cabinet has approved a draft constitutional amendment to extend the presidential term from five to seven years.
The move could allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030.
The bill also proposes changing the presidential election process from direct popular vote to selection by parliament.
Another provision would increase the Senate from 80 to 90 seats, expanding presidential influence.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said the draft will be published in the government gazette.
Parliament will debate the bill after a period of public consultation.
Supporters claim the reforms will promote political stability and enable long-term development projects.
Opposition groups argue that extending term limits undermines democracy and requires a national referendum.
Legal experts warn that changes favoring a sitting president may face judicial challenges.
The draft has sparked debate across Zimbabwe, with civil society pledging to monitor and contest the process.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD