President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed the Constitutional Amendment Bill 3 into law, a move that immediately prolongs his second term and grants lawmakers an unexpected two-year extension.
The measure, which has drawn sustained opposition from civil society, sparked fierce debate in and out of Parliament. Critics call it a controversial power play by Zanu PF, accusing the party of manoeuvring to cement control; supporters within the ruling movement dismiss such claims, while opponents characterise the law as unconstitutional and a brazen attempt by Mnangagwa to cling to office. The amendments also extend the current parliamentarians’ terms by two years.
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Under the new provisions, Zimbabwe’s president will no longer be chosen by a popular vote but instead by members of Parliament — a change that retired army generals, senior civil servants and civil society groups say violates the spirit of liberation war agreements. Opponents argue the shift should have gone to a national referendum and warn it risks further concentrating executive power.
