Zimbabwe Senate approves bill to extend presidential term
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Harare: Zimbabwe’s Senate has overwhelmingly approved constitutional amendments that extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years. The vote, passing 75 to four, keeps President Emmerson Mnangagwa in office until 2030. Having previously cleared the lower house, the bill now awaits minor technical sign-off before becoming law.
The move has drawn sharp criticism, with opponents labeling the legislation a ‘constitutional coup’ designed to entrench the ruling Zanu-PF party's grip on power. While the government argues the extension promotes political stability and policy continuity, civil rights groups and opposition figures have reported intimidation against those resisting the changes.
Although critics are pushing for a national referendum, a recent challenge to the bill was dismissed by the Constitutional Court. As the measure nears final enactment, the political landscape in Zimbabwe remains deeply polarized over this consolidation of executive power.
Photo Credits: AFP| President Emmerson Mnangagwa
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