Zimbabwe’s Cabinet has approved far-reaching constitutional amendments that could extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s stay in office until 2030, intensifying political tensions and drawing sharp criticism from opposition leaders and constitutional experts.
The decision, announced after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, is part of what the ruling Zanu-PF party has described as its “2030 agenda.” The proposal seeks to amend the current constitutional framework to extend the presidential term from five to seven years and to alter the method of electing the president, shifting the responsibility from the electorate to Parliament.
President Mnangagwa, 83, came to power in 2017 following a military-backed intervention that removed long-time leader Robert Mugabe, who had ruled the country for nearly three decades. He was subsequently elected to office in 2018 and re-elected in 2023 under the 2013 Constitution, which limits a president to two five-year terms.
According to a post-Cabinet statement, the proposed amendments are intended to “enhance political stability and policy continuity to allow development programmes to be implemented to completion.” Government officials argue that extending the presidential term and restructuring the electoral process will create a more stable environment for long-term national development strategies.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi confirmed that the bill will now undergo “legal scrubbing” by the Attorney General before being published in the Government Gazette and introduced to Parliament for debate. The legislative process is expected to test the strength of the ruling party’s dominance in both houses of Parliament.
The amendments would also increase the size of the Senate by allowing the president to appoint 10 additional senators, raising the total number of seats in the upper chamber to 90. Critics argue that such a move could consolidate executive influence over the legislative branch.
Under Zimbabwe’s current constitutional framework, significant amendments typically require the support of two-thirds of members in both the National Assembly and the Senate. The ruling Zanu-PF party holds a commanding majority in Parliament, positioning it favourably to secure the required votes. However, opposition figures maintain that any amendment that effectively extends the tenure of an incumbent president must be subjected to a national referendum.
David Coltart, an opposition politician and Mayor of Bulawayo, insisted that the proposed changes should be decided by the people. He argued that any amendment with the “effect” of prolonging an incumbent’s term must be approved through a referendum. Coltart expressed concern that authorities could seek judicial backing from the Constitutional Court to avoid such a public vote.
Democracy advocate and constitutional law expert Professor Lovemore Madhuku described the Cabinet’s decision as “totally unacceptable,” warning that it risks triggering significant political instability. He stated that, to his knowledge, there are no clear plans to conduct a referendum on the matter and characterised the approach as a dangerous deviation from democratic norms.
Human rights lawyer Paida Saurombe also criticised the move, describing it as an assault on the spirit of the Constitution. He warned that altering foundational provisions without broad public consultation undermines the country’s democratic framework and weakens institutional safeguards.
The constitutional limit of two five-year terms was introduced in 2013 following a national referendum that ushered in a new Constitution aimed at strengthening democratic governance and limiting executive power. Critics of the current proposal argue that reversing or altering these safeguards could erode public confidence in democratic institutions.
The “2030 agenda” has been discussed within ruling party structures for several months. Opposition leaders have vowed to defend the Constitution, but attempts to organise protests against the proposed changes have reportedly been met with heavy police presence and arrests. In previous demonstrations linked to political reform demands, dozens of activists were detained.
Zimbabwe’s opposition landscape remains fragmented and weakened after years of political repression and internal divisions. Analysts note that this fragmentation may limit the capacity of opposition groups to mount a coordinated resistance against the proposed constitutional overhaul.
President Mnangagwa’s tenure has been marked by persistent economic challenges. Zimbabwe continues to grapple with high inflation, unemployment and currency instability. Critics attribute these difficulties to alleged corruption and cronyism, while government officials argue that sanctions and global economic pressures have contributed significantly to the downturn.
Concerns over press freedom and civic space have also featured prominently in debates surrounding governance. In February last year, a journalist who interviewed an independence war veteran calling for Mnangagwa to step down was arrested and detained for more than 70 days on charges of inciting public violence. The incident drew criticism from media rights groups and added to concerns about shrinking democratic space.
As the proposed constitutional amendments move to Parliament, the coming weeks are expected to be decisive. Lawmakers will debate the bill, and attention will turn to whether the process will include a referendum or rely solely on parliamentary approval.
For many Zimbabweans, the debate extends beyond term limits. It raises broader questions about constitutionalism, separation of powers and the balance between political stability and democratic accountability. Whether the proposed changes proceed smoothly or ignite broader political confrontation will shape the country’s governance trajectory in the years ahead.
Africa Live News will continue to monitor developments in Harare and provide updates as the legislative process unfolds.
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