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.
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.
