Zimbabwe’s upper house of parliament has approved a bill that could keep President Emmerson Mnangagwa in power until 2030.

The Senate voted on Wednesday to approve draft legislation extending presidential terms from five years to seven years.

Seventy-five senators voted in favour of the bill, while four opposed it.

The vote cleared the two-thirds majority needed for the bill to move forward.

The proposed changes would delay elections scheduled for 2028 to 2030 and extend Mnangagwa’s current term by two years.

Major voting changes proposed

The bill also proposes a major change to how Zimbabwe chooses its president.

Under the draft legislation, direct presidential elections would be replaced by selection through lawmakers.

The proposal would also extend the terms of the president and members of parliament from five years to seven years.

Supporters argue the changes remain constitutional because the two-term limit would stay in place.

Critics say extending presidential terms should require a national referendum.

Several legal challenges are still before Zimbabwe’s courts.

Critics raise alarm

The bill has deepened political tension in Zimbabwe.

Rights lawyers, activists and opposition figures have criticised the proposed amendments, warning that they could weaken democratic accountability.

Some critics have also reported arrests, harassment and intimidation linked to opposition to the bill.

The proposal has moved quickly through Parliament.

Zimbabwe’s lower house approved the bill last week, with 216 lawmakers voting in favour.

Mnangagwa’s future in focus

Mnangagwa, 83, has led Zimbabwe since 2017.

He came to power after the military-backed removal of former president Robert Mugabe.

Mnangagwa had previously indicated he would step down when his second term ends in 2028.

His ruling ZANU-PF party has backed the amendments.

The president’s signature is expected to be the final step for the bill to become law.

For Zimbabweans, the debate now centres on whether the changes are a constitutional adjustment or a move that could reshape the country’s political future.