Proposed Changes in Zimbabwe Could Extend Mnangagwa's Presidency to 2030

Thu Feb 12 2026 00:52:31 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Zimbabwean cabinet greenlighted a draft legislation that may allow for a significant extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's presidency, converting current five-year terms to seven and appointing heads of state through MPs instead of direct public voting.

The Zimbabwean cabinet has approved draft legislation that would enable President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his term in office until at least 2030. The proposed changes would modify presidential elections, allowing MPs to choose leaders and extending terms from five to seven years. While consultations are planned, legal challenges may arise due to concerns about a referendum requirement for such amendments. Mnangagwa, who has faced opposition within his party and from critics, aims to strengthen governance and political stability with these changes.

Zimbabwe's cabinet has approved draft legislation that would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa, 83, to extend his stay in office until at least 2030.

Presidents would be chosen by MPs rather than in a direct vote and could serve a maximum of two seven-year terms, rather than the current five-year terms, under the proposals.

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi stated that public consultations are planned before the bill heads to parliament for debate, where both chambers are dominated by the ruling Zanu-PF party.

Legal challenges are likely as constitutional experts argue a referendum is needed if term limits are changed, and emphasize that such amendments cannot benefit a sitting president.

Mnangagwa, who first came to power in 2017 following a military coup to oust long-time leader Robert Mugabe, was re-elected in a disputed 2023 presidential election. His final five-year term is set to expire in 2028.

The push for these changes seems to align with growing support within his party for a continued leadership under the guise of completing the 'Agenda 2030' development programme.

Hints that Mnangagwa, once Mugabe's deputy, wanted to extend his rule started two years ago with slogans like '2030 he will still be the leader' echoing at Zanu-PF rallies. Despite facing fierce detractors in Zanu-PF, he has managed to maintain his position, especially after the recent death of his main critic, Blessed Geza, who had publicly denounced Mnangagwa's ambitions.

The government's rationale for the proposed law rests on the belief that it will strengthen governance and promote political stability in Zimbabwe amidst ongoing challenges.