Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed into law sweeping constitutional amendments that will extend his time in office by two years until 2030 and abolish direct presidential elections.
The changes, announced on Tuesday, have sparked outrage among opposition figures, who describe the move as a “constitutional coup” aimed at cementing the ruling Zanu-PF party’s grip on power.
Confirming the development, senior Information Ministry official Nick Mangwana wrote on X: “SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED — IT’S NOW LAW,” alongside a copy of the newly enacted legislation.
Among the most significant changes is a provision extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years. Another amendment transfers the power to choose the president from voters to parliament, effectively ending direct presidential elections that have been in place since 1987.
