Zimbabwe's lower house of parliament voted Thursday to extend presidential terms from five to seven years, effectively delaying the next election until 2030. The move allows 83-year-old President Emmerson Mnangagwa, nicknamed "The Crocodile," to lengthen his current stay in office by an additional two years.
Critics argue the legislation, known as Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, is a blatant power grab designed to entrench Mnangagwa's rule indefinitely. While the ruling Zanu PF party claims the extension provides much-needed political stability, opposition members were forcibly removed from the assembly during heated debates.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where it is expected to face little resistance before being signed into law.
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