Zimbabwe's Cabinet Approves Constitutional Amendment Bill to Extend Presidential Term

Zimbabwe's Cabinet has endorsed a draft constitutional amendment bill that proposes significant changes to the country's governance structure. The bill, which seeks to extend the presidential term from five to seven years, would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030. This move has sparked controversy, with many questioning the motivations behind the proposed change.

The bill proposes a range of changes, including having the president elected by parliament instead of through a direct popular vote. Additionally, the proposal seeks to increase parliamentary terms from five to seven years and alter presidential succession rules, allowing parliament to elect a new president if a vacancy occurs. The bill also proposes expanding the Senate and making other significant changes to the country's legislative structure. These proposals have raised concerns about the potential consolidation of power in the hands of the ruling party.  Follow us on our WhatsApp Channel

Lawyers and opposition politicians have condemned the move, arguing that the changes undermine the constitution and bypass the need for a public referendum. Prominent lawyer Thabani Mpofu stated that Zanu PF is attempting to introduce an entirely new constitution without public participation or a referendum, a step that it has no right to take. Jameson Timba, a former opposition senator, described the cabinet's approval of the changes as "politically destabilising." Professor Lovemore Madhuku, a constitutional law lecturer, vowed that "the attempts to amend the constitution to extend the president's term will be fought and defeated."

Despite the opposition, the government remains resolute in its pursuit of the constitutional amendments. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has declared that a public referendum is not necessary to push through the changes, citing the ruling party's two-thirds majority in parliament. However, this stance is set to be tested in court, and the outcome remains uncertain.

The proposed amendments have significant implications for Zimbabwe's governance structure and democracy. If passed, they could potentially consolidate power in the hands of the ruling party and undermine the country's democratic institutions. As the bill moves forward, it will be crucial to ensure that the constitutional amendment process is fair, transparent, and respects the rights of all Zimbabweans.