Harare – Zimbabwe cabinet has approved constitutional amendment of the constitution to increase the presidential and parliamentary term from five to seven years, in a controversial move that has been criticized.
”Clause 3.7. and 8 amend sections 95, 143 and 158 of the Constitution to
substitute the current five-year term of office for the President and
Parliament with seven-year term,”
”The objective of this reform is to reduce
election-related disruptions, enhance policy continuity, allow sufficient time for the implementation of long-term national projects, and promote political
and economic stability.”
The amendments will see incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa ruling beyond 2028 to 2030.
Mnangagwa supporters argue that the amendments will strengthen constitutional governance, clarify institutional roles,
promote political stability, and enhance the efficiency of the State
architecture, according to the cabinet.
The constitutional amendments come at a time when factional fights within the ruling ZANU PF.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga wants to replace Mnangagwa in 2028 but the constitutional amendments will extend the incumbent’s tenure by two years.