Zimbabwe Proposes Bill to Extend Presidential Term to 2030

On Tuesday, Zimbabwe's Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi introduced a controversial constitutional amendment bill in Parliament aimed at extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term until 2030. This measure, which awaits parliamentary approval, would allow lawmakers to appoint the president and extend their term from five to seven years.

The proposal has faced fierce opposition, including threats of court challenges and accusations of intimidation against those opposing the amendment. Activists have reported assaults and arrests of individuals suspected of being state agents.

The ZANU-PF party, which holds a significant majority in Parliament, is determined to push the measure through despite widespread criticism. The bill is seen as a means to entrench ZANU-PF's power in a country rich in resources but plagued by economic crises and allegations of corruption.

Mnangagwa, who came to power in 2017 following a military-backed coup that ousted long-time leader Robert Mugabe, is currently limited by the constitution to two five-year terms, with the next presidential election scheduled for 2023.