On March 13, Zimbabwe’s National Assembly passed a constitutional amendment bill extending the presidential term from five to seven years, with 216 votes in favor out of 337 lawmakers, surpassing the 187-vote threshold needed to achieve a two-thirds majority.
Under the bill, the presidential election originally scheduled for 2028 would be postponed to 2030. The bill also proposes changing the method of electing the president from a direct popular vote to selection by lawmakers. The bill now requires approval from the Senate, which is widely expected to pass it given that the ruling ZANU-PF party of President Mnangagwa controls the upper house through traditional leaders and close allies.
Signs that President Mnangagwa, 83, wants to remain in power after his second term ends in 2028 began emerging about two years ago, when his supporters at ZANU-PF rallies chanted that he needed more time to complete his agenda. Last year, the party decided to amend the constitution to extend the presidential term, and the plan was approved by the cabinet in February.
Critics argue the bill is a way for Mnangagwa to stay in power longer, while supporters say it will enhance accountability and promote political stability. Some activists and veterans of the country’s liberation war have filed court challenges against the plan, but the cases were dismissed on technical grounds this week.
Mnangagwa came to power after a 2017 military coup that ousted long-time leader Robert Mugabe, who had ruled since Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980. Before a falling-out led to the coup, Mnangagwa was one of Mugabe’s closest confidants, holding senior government posts including vice president.
Zimbabwe will join a list of African countries that have changed laws to keep leaders in power longer, reinforcing a trend on a continent where some of the world’s oldest leaders govern its youngest populations. Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, 93, is the world’s oldest head of state, having ruled since 1982. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, 84, has ruled Equatorial Guinea for 47 years, making him Africa’s longest-serving leader. Côte d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara, 84, was sworn in for a fourth term in December 2025. Malawi re-elected Peter Mutharika, 85, as president last year. Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, 81, was sworn in for a seventh consecutive term in May, extending his rule to four decades. Like Mnangagwa, these leaders have all amended or removed constitutional term limits to extend their time in power.
