Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa Seeks to Extend Term and Scrap Elections

The Zimbabwean cabinet approved draft legislation on February 10, 2026, that would amend the national constitution to extend presidential terms from five to seven years and replace direct popular elections with a parliamentary vote.

The proposed changes would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is 83 years old, to remain in office until 2030. Under the current system, Mnangagwa is serving his second and final term, which is scheduled to end in 2028.

Proposed Constitutional Amendments

The draft bill presented to the cabinet includes several significant shifts in the country’s governance structure. Beyond the extension of the presidential term to seven years, the legislation proposes that the president be elected by parliament rather than through a direct vote by the citizens.

Under these provisions, parliamentary elections that were originally scheduled for 2028 would be delayed until 2030. Following those elections, the new parliament would be responsible for electing the next president.

The legislation also includes a provision to increase the size of the Senate. The bill would allow the president to appoint an additional 10 senators, bringing the total number of Senate seats to 90.

Government and Opposition Perspectives

The ruling Zanu-PF party, which has held power since Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, has defended the proposed amendments. A cabinet statement indicated that the changes are intended to enhance political stability and policy continuity to allow development programmes to be implemented to completion.

Zanu-PF spokesman Patrick Chinamasa stated that the party is seeking a system that is less costly, less controversial.

Opposition figures have condemned the move, describing it as a grab for power. Tendai Biti, a veteran opposition politician and former finance minister, told the BBC that the situation constitutes a slow coup that is unfolding in Zimbabwe.

The proposals have led to deep polarization. During public hearings held in the capital, Harare, thousands of attendees expressed conflicting views. While some speakers called for Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond 2028, opposition circles have expressed fears that the changes will eliminate political choice.

Constitutional and Legal Context

The current constitutional framework was adopted in 2013 and restricts the president to a maximum of two terms. The 2013 constitution further specifies that any attempt to extend these term limits must be endorsed by voters through a referendum.

President Mnangagwa came to power in 2017 after the military ousted the longtime leader Robert Mugabe. Since then, there has been an ongoing succession battle within the Zanu-PF party regarding who will eventually take over the presidency.

Next Steps

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi announced during a news conference that the bill will be sent to the speaker of parliament. It will then be published in an official gazette before being considered by lawmakers.