Zimbabwe’s parliament has approved a motion to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the United Kingdom and human rights groups. The vote, held on Wednesday in Harare, saw 217 MPs in favour, with 139 against, effectively bypassing constitutional term limits that would have required Mnangagwa to step down after 2028.
The constitutional amendment, which now heads to the Senate for approval, would allow Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030. The governing ZANU-PF party argued that the extension was necessary for continuity and stability, citing ongoing economic reforms and infrastructure projects. However, opposition lawmakers decried the move as a power grab, accusing the government of eroding democratic institutions.
The British Foreign Office released a statement warning that the vote represented a “serious democratic backslide” and urged Harare to respect term limits. “The UK stands with the people of Zimbabwe in their pursuit of free and fair governance,” the statement read. London has previously imposed targeted sanctions on senior ZANU-PF officials for human rights abuses and electoral fraud.
Analysts note that the extension reflects a broader trend in southern Africa, where leaders in countries such as Zambia, Mozambique, and Angola have sought to amend constitutions to prolong their tenure. The move also comes amid a deepening economic crisis in Zimbabwe, characterised by hyperinflation, widespread unemployment, and shortages of basic goods.
Mnangagwa, who came to power in 2017 after the ousting of Robert Mugabe, has faced mounting criticism over his handling of the economy and political repression. The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) boycotted the vote, calling it a “sham”. CCC leader Nelson Chamisa has called for renewed protests, although security forces have previously cracked down on dissent.
The international community has been watching closely. The African Union has remained quiet on the issue, while neighbouring South Africa has urged dialogue. The United States has also expressed concern, with a State Department spokesperson calling the vote “a step away from the democratic path that Zimbabweans deserve”.
For now, the extension is expected to be ratified by the Senate, where ZANU-PF holds a comfortable majority. Critics argue that the move risks further isolating Zimbabwe diplomatically and economically, at a time when the country is seeking debt relief and foreign investment. The British warning, while symbolic, underscores the growing chasm between Harare and Western capitals.
The next presidential election is scheduled for 2028, but with the term limits effectively removed, there are fears that Mnangagwa may seek to remain in power indefinitely. The situation is likely to be a key topic at the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London.
