Zimbabwe’s Parliament has given its approval to the Constitution Amendment No. 3 Bill, a legislative move that seeks to extend the presidential term from the current five years to seven years. The contentious bill, which has successfully navigated both Houses of Parliament, is now awaiting presidential assent to become law.
The proposed amendments have sparked significant debate, particularly due to provisions that would allow the incumbent president to benefit from this extension. Critics argue that such changes undermine constitutional governance and raise fundamental questions about the limits of parliamentary amendment power.
Key Players Involved
- Zimbabwean Parliament: Passed the Constitution Amendment No. 3 Bill.
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa: The incumbent who stands to benefit from the proposed term extension, awaiting to assent the bill into law.
- Constitutional Scholars/Lawyers: Raised concerns about the legality and implications of the amendments.
Event Timeline
- July 25, 2026: Reports confirm the bill has secured the required two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament and is expected to be presented to the President for assent.
- June 30, 2026: The National Assembly approved the Senate’s amendments to the bill.
