By Staff Reporter
HARARE — Zimbabwe’s Senate on Wednesday passed the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, a controversial measure that extends presidential terms from five to seven years and potentially allows President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030.
The bill sailed through the upper house after 75 senators voted in favour, four opposed it, and one abstained.
The result comfortably exceeded the two-thirds majority threshold of 54 votes required for constitutional amendments.
Although Zanu PF holds 33 seats in the Senate compared to the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)’s 27, the ruling party relied on the support of 18 traditional chiefs and two senators representing persons with disabilities, who typically vote alongside the government.
The amendment, however, would still have fallen short without backing from CCC legislators aligned to self-styled party secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu.
Tshabangu, whose authority over CCC structures has been upheld through court rulings and supported by Zanu PF, has played a pivotal role in reshaping the opposition’s parliamentary representation since the 2023 elections.
He recalled more than 20 CCC lawmakers from Parliament, triggering by-elections in which Zanu PF won most of the contested seats.
Tshabangu also oversaw the appointment of loyalists to proportional representation vacancies, including seats in the Senate.
Only four opposition senators voted against the bill: Sesel Zvidzai of Midlands Province and Matabeleland South senators Solani Moyo, Meliwe Phuthi and Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa.
Debate on the bill during Tuesday’s Second Reading exposed divisions within the CCC ranks.
Senator Solani Moyo delivered a firm rejection of the proposed amendments, while fellow opposition senators Linda Sibanda, Kudakwashe Matibiri and Tapfumanei Muzoda expressed varying degrees of support despite raising concerns about specific provisions.
Among the most contentious changes is a proposal allowing future presidents to be elected by Parliament rather than through direct popular vote, a measure that drew extensive debate during Senate proceedings.
The bill now awaits Mnangagwa’s assent before becoming law.
Speculation about efforts to extend Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond the constitutional limit of 2028 first surfaced about two years ago, when supporters at Zanu PF rallies began chanting slogans calling for him to remain in office longer to complete his developmental agenda.
The ruling party formally adopted the proposal last year, with Cabinet endorsing the constitutional amendments in February.
Mnangagwa, 83, assumed power following the military-assisted removal of former president Robert Mugabe in November 2017, ending Mugabe’s 37-year rule.
Opponents argue that the amendment is designed to prolong Mnangagwa’s grip on power, while supporters maintain that the reforms will enhance political stability, strengthen accountability and ensure continuity in governance.
