Zimbabwe Lower House Passes Bill Extending Presidential Terms

Zimbabwe's lower house of parliament passed a bill on Thursday that would extend presidential terms from five to seven years and eliminate direct presidential elections. More than 200 lawmakers voted in favor of the legislation, meeting the two-thirds majority required to amend the constitution. The bill also delays the next parliamentary elections from 2028 to 2030.

The measure would allow the current president, whose second term ends in 2028, to remain in office until 2030. Future presidents would be chosen by parliament rather than by popular vote. The legislation now moves to the senate for consideration before it can be signed into law.

The ruling party has pursued the changes since cabinet approval in February. A 2013 constitution requires a national referendum for any extension of term limits, and a sitting president cannot benefit from such an extension without voter approval. Opposition parties and civil society groups have argued that the changes should be submitted to a referendum.