Zimbabwe’s Senate on Wednesday passed the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, a move that could allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030 by extending presidential terms from five to seven years.

The bill secured overwhelming support, with 75 senators voting in favour, four opposing it, and one abstaining. The result comfortably exceeded the two-thirds majority threshold of 54 votes required for constitutional amendments.

Although Zanu PF holds 33 seats in the Senate compared to the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)’s 27, the ruling party relied on support from 18 traditional chiefs and two senators representing persons with disabilities, who typically align with government positions. The measure also received backing from CCC senators linked to Sengezo Tshabangu, whose faction gained influence within the opposition party following the 2023 elections.

Tshabangu, whose authority was reinforced through court rulings and support from Zanu PF, previously recalled more than 20 CCC legislators from Parliament. Subsequent by-elections largely benefited Zanu PF, while proportional representation vacancies, including Senate positions, were filled with individuals loyal to Tshabangu.

The only senators who voted against the amendment were Sesel Zvidzai of Midlands Province and Solani Moyo, Meliwe Phuthi, and Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa from Matabeleland South.

Debate during the bill’s second reading on Tuesday highlighted divisions within the opposition. Senator Solani Moyo strongly rejected the proposed changes, while senators Linda Sibanda, Kudakwashe Matibiri, and Tapfumanei Muzoda expressed varying degrees of support despite raising concerns about specific provisions.

Among its most significant changes, the bill proposes replacing direct presidential elections with a system in which Parliament elects the president. This provision attracted considerable discussion during Senate deliberations.

The amendment now awaits President Mnangagwa’s signature before becoming law.

Speculation that Mnangagwa intended to remain in office beyond the end of his second term in 2028 first emerged around two years ago, when supporters at Zanu PF rallies began calling for him to stay in power longer to complete his development agenda. The ruling party formally endorsed constitutional reforms last year, and Cabinet approved the initiative in February.

Mnangagwa assumed power in 2017 after a military intervention that removed former president Robert Mugabe, who had led Zimbabwe since independence in 1980.

Opponents of the amendment argue that it is designed to prolong Mnangagwa’s rule, while supporters maintain that the changes will enhance political stability and strengthen government accountability.