83-YEAR-OLD ZIMBABWEAN PRESIDENT SIGNS CONTROVERSIAL LAW EXTENDING HIS RULE TO 2030, ALSO ENDS DIRECT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

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.

The constitutional amendments were approved by both chambers of parliament before being finalised by the National Assembly last week.

Critics argue the reforms will further entrench the dominance of Mnangagwa’s Zanu-PF party, which has ruled the resource-rich southern African nation since independence in 1980. 

The opposition, weakened by years of alleged repression and disputed elections, has strongly opposed the changes.

Mnangagwa, 83, popularly known as “The Crocodile” for his reputation for political ruthlessness, assumed office in 2017 after a military-backed coup removed longtime leader Robert Mugabe, who had ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years.