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Zimbabwe lawmakers back legislation extending president's time in power
The measure won 218 votes and now heads to the Senate, while also shifting presidential elections from direct popular vote to lawmakers.
- On Thursday, Zimbabwe's National Assembly approved constitutional amendments postponing 2028 elections until 2030, extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term by two years.
- Mnangagwa joins a growing club of aging African leaders like Cameroon President Paul Biya and Yoweri Museveni, who have altered constitutional restrictions to prolong their rule.
- The measure secured 218 votes, surpassing the 187 required threshold, and now heads to the Senate where passage is expected; it also shifts presidential elections from direct popular vote to selection by lawmakers.
- Beyond the presidential extension, the legislation lengthens terms for the president, MPs, councilors, and mayors from five to seven years, cementing a structural shift in governance.
- "It's the continental norm," said Blessing Vava, a democracy and governance researcher, noting that while Africa's population is increasingly young, the average age of presidents is rising and tenures are growing longer.
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15 Articles
15 Articles
Associated Press News+6 Reposted by 6 other sources
Zimbabwe vote to extend president's term underscores the staying power of Africa's aging leaders
Zimbabwe’s lower house has approved constitutional changes that would delay elections and extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure by two years.
·New York, United States
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The ruling party decided last year to change the constitution to extend presidential terms.
·Belgrade, Serbia
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left10Leaning Right2Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution72% Left
Bias Distribution
- 72% of the sources lean Left
72% Left
L 72%
14%
14%
Factuality
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