Constitutional Overhaul Could End Direct Presidential Elections in Zimbabwe

Background to the Proposed Amendments

Since gaining independence in 1980, Zanu-PF has remained the dominant force in Zimbabwean politics. The current president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, assumed office after the ousting of the long‑time leader Robert Mugabe with military backing. He subsequently secured victories in the contested elections of 2018 and 2023.

The draft legislation under discussion would alter the constitutional framework that has governed the country since the adoption of the 2013 constitution. That constitution capped presidential service at two terms and required any alteration to term limits to be approved by a national referendum before a sitting president could benefit.

Key Provisions of the Draft Law

The draft proposes several sweeping changes:

• Elimination of direct presidential elections, a practice that has been in place since 1990.
• Extension of both parliamentary and presidential terms from five years to seven years.
• Postponement of the parliamentary election slated for 2028 to the year 2030.
• Continuation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa in office beyond the scheduled end of his second term in 2028, potentially remaining until 2030.
• Mandate for the newly elected parliament to select the next president rather than the electorate.

Supporters argue that the changes would reduce the cost and controversy associated with presidential campaigns, while critics contend that the reforms threaten hard‑won democratic safeguards.

Public Hearings and Grassroots Reactions

Parliament recently convened public hearings in a sports arena in the capital, providing a platform for citizens to express support or opposition. The venue filled with thousands of attendees, many of whom used the microphone to call for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stay in power beyond the current constitutional deadline.

One woman declared her full endorsement of the bill, emphasizing the desire for stability and continuity. A man echoed this sentiment, insisting that term limits be extended and that elected MPs be granted the authority to choose the president.

When the floor was opened to opponents, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Physical confrontations broke out, with participants pushing, shoving, and snatching mobile phones from one another. Journalists reporting from the scene were instructed to delete footage of the unrest.

Opposition lawyer Fadzayi Mahere described the disruption as a deliberate attempt by Zanu-PF supporters to silence dissenting voices. Patrick Chinamasa, a senior Zanu-PF official, rejected any implication that his party orchestrated the chaos, stating that violence would be unnecessary when “the masses are behind us.”

Opposition’s Viewpoint and Allegations of Repression

Opposition leaders contend that the draft law represents a new wave of repression reminiscent of earlier eras. They point to a pattern of police action that has curtailed more than a dozen opposition gatherings in the lead‑up to the hearings.

National Constitutional Assembly head Lovemore Madhuku recounted being assaulted by masked attackers while police observed without intervening. Tendai Biti, who heads the Constitution Defenders Forum, is on bail after being charged with holding an unauthorized public meeting.

“We have a history of repression,” Biti warned, emphasizing that the proposed amendment would erode constitutional guarantees that were hard‑won after the long rule of Robert Mugabe.

Ruling Party’s Defence of the Amendment

Zanu-PF officials argue that the amendment does not constitute a power grab but rather a pragmatic adjustment to the political system. Patrick Chinamasa described the move as “less costly, less controversial,” suggesting that a parliamentary election of the president would avoid the violence that often accompanies popular votes.

Supporters of the 83‑year‑old president portray the overhaul as a safeguard against election‑related unrest, claiming that “any election of the president… violence is associated with a popular vote.” They further argue that the continuity of Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership will maintain political stability and sustain the economic development that began under his administration in 2018.

Chinamasa reaffirmed that, in the party’s view, the two‑term limit remains intact; the only modification is the length of each term, changing from five to seven years. He insisted that “when his time is up we will choose other leaders,” attempting to allay fears of a permanent concentration of power.

Legal and Constitutional Concerns

The 2013 constitution explicitly requires a referendum to alter presidential term limits and bars a sitting president from benefiting from any extension without voter approval. Critics argue that the draft bill violates this requirement by seeking to extend the incumbent’s tenure without a public vote.

Biti and other opposition figures assert that the amendment could be challenged in the courts on the basis that it circumvents the constitutional mandate for a referendum. Zanu-PF, however, maintains that the amendment is fully compliant with the constitution because it merely adjusts the duration of terms rather than changing the number of terms allowed.

Opponents caution that once the precedent of altering term lengths is set, it may be easier for the ruling party to pursue further extensions, potentially leading to an “imperial presidency” similar to the one they claim to have fought against during Mugabe’s era.

Political Campaigns and Internal Dynamics

Pro‑amendment supporters have rallied around the slogan “2030 – he will still be the leader,” a chant that reflects confidence in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s continued rule. The campaign has faced internal dissent within Zanu-PF, though the most prominent critic, Blessed Geza—also known as “Bombshell”—passed away earlier this year, reducing overt opposition inside the party.

For many Zanu-PF loyalists, the proposed changes promise to remove what they see as the “toxic” nature of presidential campaigns that frequently spark violence and contestation over results.

Conversely, opposition voices liken the amendment to the error made by Robert Mugabe, describing it as a move to “close democratic space absolutely.”

Potential Outcomes and Future Scenarios

If Parliament passes the bill in the coming weeks, the country will embark on a new constitutional arrangement that eliminates direct presidential elections, extends term lengths, and empowers parliament to choose the head of state. This shift would mark a significant departure from the electoral practices that have defined Zimbabwe since the early 1990s.

Supporters predict a smoother political landscape free of election‑related turmoil, while opponents warn that the changes could erode checks on executive power, undermine democratic participation, and set a precedent for further extensions of tenure.

The debate underscores a broader struggle over Zimbabwe’s political direction, pitting the ruling Zanu-PF’s vision of stability and streamlined governance against the opposition’s insistence on popular sovereignty and constitutional safeguards.