Zimbabwe Cabinet Backs Bill to Extend Presidential Terms to 7 Years and End Direct Elections

Zimbabwe’s cabinet on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, approved the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No. 3) Bill, which proposes scrapping direct presidential elections, extending presidential terms from five to seven years, and increasing executive control over elections and appointments.

The decision has sparked immediate outrage from opposition figures and civil society, who warn it could effectively end democratic elections and entrench President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s power until 2030.

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi announced the approval after a cabinet meeting, stating the amendments aim to “enhance political stability and policy continuity” to allow development programmes to be completed. The bill will undergo “legal scrubbing” by the attorney general before publication in the government gazette and introduction to parliament.

The proposed changes include:

• Abolishing direct presidential elections, with parliament choosing the president instead.

• Extending the presidential term from five to seven years.

• Allowing the president to appoint 10 additional senators, increasing the Senate to 90 seats.

The amendments would require two-thirds approval in both houses of parliament — where Zanu-PF holds a strong majority — and, according to opposition leaders and legal experts, a national referendum, as they affect the “effect” of extending an incumbent’s tenure.

Law-Making and Amendment Process in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s constitution amendment process is governed by Chapter 18 of the 2013 Constitution. To amend the Bill of Rights or key sections (including presidential terms and elections), the process requires:

• A two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and Senate.

• A national referendum for changes affecting the founding values, Bill of Rights, presidential term limits, or devolution of power.

• Public consultation (at least 90 days in practice) before introduction.

• Presidential assent after parliamentary passage.

Non-Bill of Rights amendments (e.g., Senate size or procedural powers) can pass with two-thirds majority without referendum. Critics argue the current bill’s changes to presidential election method and term length trigger referendum requirement, while government insists they are procedural and do not need one.

History of Similar Constitution Amendments

Zimbabwe has amended its constitution multiple times since independence in 1980:

• 1981–1990: Several amendments consolidated executive power under Robert Mugabe, removing ceremonial presidency and strengthening prime ministerial role before abolishing it in 1987.

• 2005 (Amendment No. 17): Introduced Senate, increased presidential appointment powers, and removed judicial independence safeguards.

• 2013 Constitution: Adopted after 2008–2013 inclusive government. Introduced two-term presidential limit (five years each), independent commissions, and devolution. Widely seen as progressive but later undermined.

• 2017–2020: Post-coup amendments strengthened executive control over judiciary, public service, and security sectors.

The current bill builds on this pattern of executive power consolidation, drawing comparisons to the 1987 and 2005 amendments that centralised authority under Mugabe.

The 2017 Coup and Its Legacy

On November 14–18, 2017, Emmerson Mnangagwa and military leaders staged a coup (officially called “Operation Restore Legacy”) that removed Robert Mugabe after 37 years in power. Mugabe was placed under house arrest; the military took control of key institutions. Mnangagwa was sworn in as president on November 24, 2017.

The coup ended Mugabe’s rule but retained Zanu-PF dominance. Mnangagwa promised reforms, economic recovery, and re-engagement with the West. However, critics say the post-coup period has seen:

• Continued repression of opposition and civil society.

• Electoral irregularities in 2018 and 2023.

• Militarisation of civilian institutions.

• Economic decline, hyperinflation, and corruption scandals.

Opposition Politics in Zimbabwe

Opposition remains fragmented and weakened:

• Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) — led by Nelson Chamisa until his 2024 exit — won significant urban seats in 2023 but faces internal splits.

• MDC-T (Douglas Mwonzora faction) — recognised by courts but lacks broad support.

• Other smaller parties (e.g., ZAPU, Transform Zimbabwe) have limited reach.

The “2030 agenda” — extending Mnangagwa’s rule beyond 2028 — has been discussed since late 2024. Opposition leaders have vowed to “defend the constitution,” but face police crackdowns on protests. The bill now moves to parliament, where Zanu-PF’s majority gives it strong prospects of passage, though a referendum — if required — could face public resistance.