Zimbabwe Senate Approves Constitutional Amendment Bill

Zimbabwe's Senate approved the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill on Wednesday. The legislation received 75 votes in favor, four against and one abstention, exceeding the 54 votes required for passage. The bill now moves to the president for assent.

If signed, it will extend presidential terms from five years to seven years and establish a system in which future presidents are elected by Parliament rather than by direct popular vote.

Four opposition senators voted against the measure. They represented Midlands Province and Matabeleland South. Other opposition senators expressed varying degrees of support during the second reading debate on Tuesday. The ruling party bloc, along with traditional leaders and representatives of persons with disabilities, supported the legislation.

Senators aligned with a faction of the Citizens Coalition for Change also backed the bill.

Supporters of the amendments argue the changes will strengthen governance structures and provide greater political stability. Critics contend the reforms could alter existing democratic processes. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who assumed office in 2017, is currently serving his second term.

Once signed into law, the amendments will become part of Zimbabwe's constitutional framework and guide future electoral and governance processes.