Summary
Zimbabwe's ruling party, Zanu-PF, plans to amend the constitution to let parliament elect the president and extend terms from five to seven years. Some people in Zimbabwe, especially in opposition groups, are worried about these changes, as they fear it could tighten the ruling party's grip on power. Public hearings on the proposal have been tense, with incidents of violence and intimidation reported.
Key Facts
- Zanu-PF is proposing changes to Zimbabwe's constitution to let parliament elect the president instead of voters.
- The proposed changes would extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years.
- Public hearings in Harare saw strong reactions, both in support of and against the changes.
- Incidents of violence and intimidation occurred, with claims that Zanu-PF supporters were involved.
- The opposition alleges that police banned several of their meetings leading up to the hearings.
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term would extend to 2030 if the changes are approved.
- Zanu-PF has been in power since Zimbabwe's independence in 1980.
- The constitutional amendment campaign started in 2024 and faces criticism from both inside and outside the party.
