Zimbabwe lawmakers back bill to extend president’s term in office
Summary
Zimbabwe’s lower house of parliament has approved a bill to extend the president’s term and postpone elections until 2030. This change would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stay in power longer and shift the election process from a popular vote to selection by parliament.Key Facts
- The National Assembly voted 216 to pass the bill, surpassing the two-thirds majority needed.
- The bill extends presidential terms from five to seven years.
- Elections originally due in 2028 would be delayed to 2030 under the bill.
- The election method would change from direct popular vote to selection by lawmakers.
- Zimbabwe’s Senate must also approve the bill, and it is expected to pass there.
- Mnangagwa’s party, ZANU-PF, controls the Senate through traditional leaders and allies.
- Mnangagwa came to power after a 2017 military coup removed long-time leader Robert Mugabe.
- Similar moves to extend presidential terms are happening in several African countries with aging leaders.
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