Legislation Proposed to Extend Emmerson Mnangagwa's Presidency in Zimbabwe

Wed Feb 11 2026 01:42:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Zimbabwean government has initiated a draft legislation that could allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power until at least 2030, altering how presidents are elected and their term durations.

Zimbabwe's cabinet has approved draft legislation to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term in office potentially until 2030. The proposed changes include electing presidents through parliament and extending term limits to two seven-year terms instead of the current five-year terms. Public consultations are planned, but constitutional experts warn that amendments could face legal challenges. Critics and the recent death of Mnangagwa's main political opponent, Blessed Geza, add tension to the situation.

Legislation Proposed to Extend Emmerson Mnangagwa's Presidency in Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwean government has initiated a draft legislation that could allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa, 83, to remain in power until at least 2030. The cabinet's approval of this proposal marks a significant shift in power dynamics within the country.

Under the proposed changes, the method of electing presidents would shift from a public vote to being decided by Members of Parliament. Additionally, the length of presidency terms would be altered, extending the maximum to two seven-year terms instead of the current two five-year terms. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi confirmed plans for public consultations before the bill is sent to parliament for further debate, where the ruling Zanu-PF party maintains significant control.

However, legal experts warn of potential constitutional challenges, arguing that any amendments to the term limits would require a national referendum and cannot retroactively benefit a sitting president. The current push for these changes comes in the wake of Mnangagwa's rocky political history, as he succeeded long-time leader Robert Mugabe in 2017 following a military coup, and has subsequently faced scrutiny over electoral legitimacy.

Hints about Mnangagwa's desire to extend his presidency began circulating two years ago, as supporters at Zanu-PF rallies would chant slogans promoting his continued leadership to facilitate the Agenda 2030 development program—a claim he has publicly dismissed. The political landscape has been further complicated by the recent death of key political figure Blessed Geza, known as 'Bombshell,' who fiercely criticized Mnangagwa’s ambitions. His call for the removal of the president found resonance among many Zimbabweans, adding urgency to the ongoing discussions around governance and stability in Zimbabwe.

While the regime pushes forward with its long-term objectives for Mnangagwa's administration, the legacy of past leadership and the cries of opposition continue to cast a shadow on its intentions.