By Afrireport 
On 10 February 2026, ministers endorsed draft legislation that would change the presidential term from five years to seven years and remove direct presidential elections, instead allowing the president to be chosen by Parliament.
The plan, spearheaded by the ruling ZANU‑PF party, is designed to let Mnangagwa currently set to step down in 2028 extend his rule by two additional years without technically breaching existing term limits.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi revealed that the draft Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill, 2026 will be formally presented to Parliament after legal scrubbing and publication in the government gazette.
Cabinet sources said the changes are meant to enhance political stability and policy continuity so long term development programmes can be completed.
However, critics argue the moves are a blatant power grab. Opposition figures say that any constitutional amendment that has the effect of allowing a sitting president to stay in office beyond the current limits must be put to a national referendum, something they believe ZANU‑PF will seek to avoid.
In response to the cabinet’s decision, civil society activists and legal experts have launched a challenge to the Constitutional Court, arguing that Sections of the Constitution governing presidential terms cannot lawfully be altered to benefit the incumbent without direct public approval.
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Zimbabwe’s opposition coalition has also vowed to defend the constitution, warning that the proposed reforms could erode democratic norms and deepen political instability.
Rallying under the Constitution Defenders Forum, leaders including former finance officials and civic advocates have promised legal, peaceful resistance to any attempt to amend the foundational law for partisan gain.
The draft amendments extend beyond term limits. They also propose increasing executive influence in the Senate via additional presidential appointments, adjusting the voters roll administration and changing judicial appointment transparency measures that critics say weaken checks and balances.
President Mnangagwa, who came to power in a military backed transition in 2017 and has faced criticism over governance challenges, has not been central in promoting the bill.
Nonetheless, many analysts see the package as part of ZANU‑PF’s broader Vision 2030 agenda to maintain political dominance.
As Zimbabwe prepares for a heated parliamentary battle and possible legal showdown, citizens and observers across Africa are watching closely to see whether the nation will uphold its democratic constitution or chart a new path with profound implications for leadership and governance.
