Mnangagwa term extension plan could lock Zanu-PF in power until 2044

Zimbabwe could remain under Zanu-PF presidential control until 2044 if the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB 3) is passed in its current form, political commentators and analysts have warned amid growing national debate over the controversial constitutional changes.

The Bill, which is expected to be introduced in Parliament this week, proposes far-reaching amendments to Zimbabwe’s Constitution, including extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five years to seven years, postponing the 2028 harmonised elections to 2030, and changing the method of electing the President from a direct popular vote to a parliamentary process.

If approved, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s current second and final term would be extended by two years from 2028 to 2030.

Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono argued that the proposed constitutional changes could effectively guarantee Zanu-PF control of the presidency for nearly two decades beyond 2028.

“The mathematics of the proposal are straightforward, if the bill passes this year, ZANUPF will be assured of the presidency for the next 18 years without fear of any meaningful opposition,” Chin’ono said.

He added: “If President Mnangagwa receives the additional two years, his tenure would extend to 2030. Under the proposed constitutional framework, a successor chosen in 2030 would serve a seven-year term until 2037. If re-elected for a second seven-year term by parliament, that president would remain in office until 2044.”

According to Chin’ono, the proposed shift from direct presidential elections to parliamentary selection would significantly alter Zimbabwe’s democratic framework.

“In practical terms, this means that from 2028 onwards, Zimbabwe will go for sixteen years without a direct presidential election. The presidency would effectively be determined by Parliament rather than by the electorate,” he said.

Critics argue that the proposed amendments would fundamentally alter Zimbabwe’s democratic system by removing the electorate’s direct role in choosing the Head of State.

Bulawayo mayor David Coltart, on Sunday, said the public parliamentary vote on CAB 3 would expose which legislators were willing to defend the Constitution.

“Whilst I agree that voting on CAB 3 should be secret given the excessive intimidation prevailing in Zimbabwe around the issue, there is one silver lining in Ziyambi’s decree, and it is this, the public vote will let the public know exactly who are our truly brave and patriotic MPs,” Coltart said.

Justice Minister and Zanu-PF legal secretary Ziyambi Ziyambi has defended both the contents of the Bill and the planned voting procedure, insisting that voting by show of hands promotes transparency and accountability.

Addressing a Zanu-PF provincial coordinating committee meeting in Chinhoyi over the weekend, Ziyambi dismissed calls for a secret ballot in Parliament.

“We want our Zanu-PF candidates to be voted for. So, if they come fooling you that a secret ballot is the best because MPs will be bribed, refuse, because it will be public voting and transparent,” he said.

CAB 3 has triggered intense debate across Zimbabwe’s political landscape, with opposition figures, legal experts and civil society organisations arguing that some of the proposed amendments affect foundational constitutional provisions and should therefore be subjected to a national referendum.

Among the contentious provisions are proposals to increase presidential influence over Parliament through additional appointed members and the removal of direct presidential elections.

Critics say this could consolidate executive authority while weakening democratic accountability.

However, Zanu-PF officials and some legislators insist the amendments can legally be enacted through the parliamentary process without a referendum.

Self-styled Citizens Coalition for Change secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu defended the constitutional amendment procedure, arguing that Zimbabwe’s process remains more consultative than those used in several Sadc countries.

“They do not take long to amend their respective constitutions because, in most of those countries, they do not employ the 90-day consultative period or the referendum process,” Tshabangu said in reference to countries such as Botswana, Namibia, Seychelles and South Africa.

The debate has also intensified because legislators themselves stand to benefit from the proposed changes, as MPs and councillors would also receive a two-year extension of their terms if the Bill becomes law.

Political observers say this creates potential conflicts of interest for lawmakers tasked with voting on the proposal.

With Zanu-PF holding a dominant parliamentary majority and the opposition fragmented, analysts say the Bill has a realistic chance of passing unless significant divisions emerge within the ruling party itself.

If enacted, Zimbabwe would enter a new constitutional era in which Presidents are elected by Parliament rather than directly by citizens, potentially allowing the ruling party to maintain control of the presidency for decades through its parliamentary majority.