Zimbabwe Cabinet Backs Bill That Could Extend Mnangagwa’s Rule to 2030
Published on February 12, 2026 at 9:59 AM by Edgar Naitha
Zimbabwe’s cabinet has approved draft legislation that could extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s time in office to at least 2030 through significant changes to the country’s electoral system and presidential term structure.
The proposed reforms would replace the current system of direct presidential elections with a parliamentary vote and lengthen presidential terms from five to seven years, while maintaining a two-term limit.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said the government plans to conduct public consultations before presenting the bill to parliament. The ruling Zanu-PF party holds a majority in both legislative chambers, increasing the likelihood of the proposals advancing.
Legal and constitutional experts, however, have raised concerns. They argue that altering presidential term limits would require a national referendum and contend that any such amendments should not benefit an incumbent president.
Mnangagwa, 83, assumed office in 2017 following the military-backed removal of longtime leader Robert Mugabe.
