Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed into law controversial constitutional amendments that will extend his time in office until 2030 and abolish direct presidential elections.
Confirming the development, senior Information Ministry official Nick Mangwana announced on X, writing, "SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED — IT'S NOW LAW," alongside a copy of the newly enacted legislation.
One of the key amendments extends presidential and parliamentary terms from five years to seven years. Another transfers the power to elect the president from the electorate to Parliament, effectively ending direct presidential elections that have been in place since 1987.
The constitutional changes were approved by both chambers of Parliament before receiving final approval from the National Assembly last week.
Opposition leaders have condemned the reforms, arguing that they will further entrench the dominance of the ruling Zanu-PF party, which has governed Zimbabwe since the country gained independence in 1980.
President Mnangagwa, 83, popularly known as "The Crocodile" because of his reputation for political ruthlessness, came to power in 2017 after a military-backed coup that ousted longtime leader Robert Mugabe following his 37-year rule.
The new law is expected to intensify political tensions in Zimbabwe as critics warn it could significantly weaken democratic processes and reduce the role of voters in choosing the country's leader.
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