Zimbabwe's Proposal to Abolish Presidential Elections Sparks Controversy

Wed Apr 08 2026 01:15:21 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Zimbabwe's ruling party Zanu-PF proposes constitutional amendments that could eliminate presidential elections, leading to widespread opposition fears and public protests.

The ruling Zanu-PF party's push for constitutional amendments that would allow parliament, rather than voters, to elect the president and extend presidential terms from five to seven years has ignited fierce opposition in Zimbabwe. Critics, including veteran politicians, express concerns of a 'slow coup' aimed at consolidating power. Public hearings have revealed a deeply divided populace, with some supporting the changes for stability and others condemning them as steps back into a repressive political climate.

Fears are growing in opposition circles in Zimbabwe that the ruling Zanu-PF party is making a new grab for power as it presses ahead with constitutional amendments aimed at giving parliament - rather than voters - the right to elect the president and to extend his term from five to seven years.

This is a coup, a slow coup that is unfolding in Zimbabwe, veteran opposition politician and former finance minister Tendai Biti told the BBC.

But Zanu-PF - in power since independence in 1980 - has vehemently defended the proposed changes. There's nothing that stops us to change, to go to another system that's less costly, less controversial, party spokesman Patrick Chinamasa said.

The conflicting views highlight the deep polarisation that draft legislation aimed at changing the constitution has caused, pitting Zanu-PF and opposition supporters against each other.

This became clear during public hearings that parliament held recently to give citizens a chance to express their views on the proposed shake-up that will lead to:

Presidential elections - held since 1990 - being scrapped

Parliamentary and presidential terms being extended from five to seven years

Parliamentary elections scheduled for 2028 being delayed to 2030

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose second and final term is due to end in 2028, remaining in office until 2030

The new parliament electing the next president.

Supporters showed up in force at these hearings, with many backing the proposals, chanting in favor of Mnangagwa remaining in power beyond 2028. However, opponents reported intimidation and violence, raising alarm over the deteriorating political climate. Such incidents echoed the repression seen during the era of former president Robert Mugabe.

As Zanu-PF moves forward, they assert that these changes will instill political stability, while critics argue it undermines democratic processes that were hard-fought and could lead to a retreat into authoritarian rule.