Zimbabwe’s Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi on Tuesday introduced a highly contentious Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) in Parliament, aiming to extend the tenure of the country’s 83-year-old President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The proposed legislation seeks to lengthen presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years, effectively deferring the next presidential elections from 2028 to 2030.
The bill also includes provisions to shift presidential elections from a direct popular vote to selection by lawmakers, a move that has ignited widespread criticism. Opponents argue that this amendment is a deliberate strategy to allow President Mnangagwa to remain in power without facing a popular vote, drawing strong parallels to the political maneuvers seen during the era of the late Robert Mugabe.
The ruling ZANU-PF party currently holds a majority in Parliament, and Justice Minister Ziyambi has expressed intentions to complete the legislative process and secure parliamentary approval for the measure by the end of June. However, the proposal faces significant opposition from civil society, legal groups, and human rights organizations, with several legal challenges already lodged before Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court.
Key Players Involved
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa: The incumbent president whose term would be extended.
- Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi: The official who introduced the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
- ZANU-PF: The ruling party holding a parliamentary majority, supporting the bill.
- Opposition Parties & Civil Society: Critics who argue the bill undermines democratic processes.
Event Timeline
- June 2, 2026: Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi introduces Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 in Parliament.
- End of June 2026 (Projected): Justice Minister aims to complete the legislative process for the bill.
- Ongoing: Legal challenges against the bill are pending before Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court.
