Zimbabwe lower house backs bill to keep Mnangagwa in power until 2030
What's next: The measure goes to the Senate and would also scrap direct presidential elections in favor of a parliamentary vote.
Zimbabwe's lower house of parliament passed a constitutional amendment bill Thursday that would extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five years to seven, allowing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stay in office until 2030. Speaker Jacob Mudenda said 216 lawmakers voted for the bill, above the two-thirds threshold of 187 needed to amend the constitution, while 42 voted against it. The measure would also end direct presidential elections and have parliament choose future presidents. Mnangagwa, 83, took power in 2017 after Robert Mugabe was ousted and later won disputed elections in 2018 and 2023. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to pass before going to Mnangagwa for enactment.