Zimbabwe’s lower house of parliament on Thursday passed a bill to extend presidential terms from five to seven years, which would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030.
Two hundred sixteen lawmakers voted in favour of the draft legislation, breaching the 187 mark needed for a two-thirds majority.
The bill now moves to the upper house of parliament, where it is also expected to sail through as Mnangagwa’s ruling ZANU-PF party controls it through traditional leaders and other proxies who generally vote with the party.
Signs that Mnangagwa, 83, wanted to stay in power beyond the end of his second term in 2028 emerged roughly two years ago, when his supporters started chanting slogans at ZANU-PF rallies that he needed more time to complete his agenda.
The party last year resolved to change the constitution to lengthen presidential terms and the plan received cabinet backing in February.
Critics say the bill is a ruse for Mnangagwa to stay in power for longer, though its backers argue it will strengthen accountability and foster political stability.
–Reuters–
