Zimbabwe Opposition Raises Alarm Over Constitutional Amendments Seen as Extending

Harare, 8 April 2026 - Zimbabwe’s political opposition has expressed concern over proposed constitutional amendments that could significantly reshape the country’s electoral system and extend the tenure of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The proposed reforms would shift the presidential election process from direct popular vote to selection by members of parliament, a change critics argue would weaken democratic accountability. Opposition figure and former finance minister Tendai Biti described the move as a gradual erosion of constitutional order. “This is a coup. The coup is happening slowly in Zimbabwe,” Biti said, warning that the reforms could concentrate political power further within the ruling establishment. The ruling ZANU-PF party, which has governed the country since independence in the 1980s, has defended the proposed changes. Party officials argue that the reforms are aimed at reducing electoral costs and improving governance efficiency. ZANU-PF spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa said there was no intention to halt the process, stating that the party is committed to adopting what it considers a more “cost-effective and less contentious” governance model. Under the draft constitutional amendments currently under discussion, the terms of both the presidency and the National Assembly would be extended from five to seven years, potentially delaying the next elections from 2028 to 2030. The proposals would also allow the current presidential term to continue until 2030, with future presidents to be selected by a newly elected parliament. The debate has intensified political tensions in the country, with opposition voices warning of democratic backsliding, while ruling party representatives maintain that the changes reflect institutional reform rather than political consolidation of power.