WATCH LIVE as Gambakwe unpacks the impending removal of Mnangagwa by the Zimbabwe military.
Zimbabwe’s Parliament has passed a controversial constitutional amendment bill that extends presidential and parliamentary terms from 5 to 7 years and changes how the president is elected.
Key Changes That Passed:
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Presidential terms extended to 7 years (next election moves from 2028 to 2030)
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President elected by Parliament, not direct public vote
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Military clause weakened – no longer required to “uphold” the Constitution
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Voters’ roll moved from independent commission to presidential appointee
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New Delimitation Commission created
What Was Removed:
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Plan to disband the Gender Commission (withdrawn)
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Plan to allow chiefs into politics (withdrawn)
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Plan to abolish Peace & Reconciliation Commission (rejected)
Opposition:
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Retired generals publicly oppose the bill, saying President Mnangagwa shows “contempt” for constitutional concerns
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They want a national referendum instead
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Legal challenges filed in Constitutional Court
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Critics say the changes reduce democratic accountability and weaken the military’s independence
Current Status:
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Passed National Assembly: 216 votes for, 42 against (18 June 2026)
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Now goes to Senate
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If passed, goes to President for final approval
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Opens 19 June 2026 in Chicago
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Cost: $850 million (originally budgeted $300 million)
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Donations: Airbnb CEO gave $125M, Jeff Bezos gave $100M
2026 FIFA World Cup
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24 matches played so far
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Europe dominating (Germany 7-1, Sweden 5-1)
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Africa struggling (only Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire won so far)
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Hosts Mexico and USA started well
Top Zimbabwe News
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Mutsvangwa attacks Chiwenga, says he’s not competent
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Emmanuel Sitima released after 2 months in jail
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Bafana Bafana drew 1-1 with Czechia
Business
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US Federal Reserve sees AI as “huge opportunity” and key to American competitiveness
Entertainment
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“The Polygamist” (based on Zimbabwean author Sue Nyathi’s book) launched on Netflix
