Zimbabwe parliament extends term, delays 2028 vote

Zimbabwe's lower house of parliament has approved constitutional amendments to extend presidential terms and delay elections, a move that would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030. The National Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Thursday, June 18, 2026, to pass the legislation, which now moves to the Senate for final approval.

The amendments would extend the presidential term from five to seven years and postpone elections scheduled for 2028 to 2030. The bill also proposes shifting the method of selecting the president from a direct popular vote to selection by lawmakers. The Senate, where Mnangagwa's ruling ZANU-PF party holds control, is widely expected to pass the legislation.

Mnangagwa, 83, came to power in 2017 following a military-led ouster of longtime leader Robert Mugabe. Signs of his intent to extend his tenure emerged roughly two years ago, with supporters at party rallies chanting that he needed more time to complete his agenda. The party formally resolved to pursue the constitutional changes last year, and the plan received cabinet backing in February.

Supporters of the bill argue it will strengthen accountability and foster political...