Zimbabwe is facing mounting political tension after the cabinet approved proposed constitutional amendments widely seen as paving the way for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030.

The 83-year-old leader came to office in 2017 following a military-backed coup that ended Robert Mugabe’s 30-year rule. The proposed changes would extend presidential terms from five to seven years and alter the system so that parliament, rather than voters, elects the president.

Although the amendments must still be tabled before parliament, critics argue the legislature is heavily dominated by Mnangagwa’s ruling Zanu-PF party, making passage likely.

Opposition leaders and legal experts have strongly condemned the move, describing it as an assault on constitutional democracy.

Lawyer Tendai Biti labelled the proposals a “constitutional coup,” arguing that they violate existing term limit provisions.

“The proposed amendments are illegal and unconstitutional in that they infringe the term limit provision of the constitution,” Biti said. “More importantly they seek to do them outside two referendums. The first approving the removal of the term limit, the second referendum approving the incumbent to benefit from the amendments.”

Other opposition figures echoed calls for a national referendum, insisting that any change effectively extending a sitting president’s tenure must be subjected to direct public approval.

“Any amendment which has the ‘effect’ of extending an incumbent’s tenure should be subjected to a referendum,” said David Coltart, mayor of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city. He added that authorities were unlikely to permit such a vote, fearing defeat at the ballot box.

Democracy advocate Professor Lovemore Madhuku described the cabinet’s decision as “totally unacceptable” and warned it could trigger serious political instability.

“As far as we know, they do not even have a referendum on the agenda,” he said. “It’s an unthinkable way of trying to do politics and it is going to cause political instability.”

He predicted a “painful struggle” ahead, arguing that defending Zimbabwe’s democratic framework would require a strong political response.

The cabinet, however, defended the proposals in a post-meeting statement, saying the amendments would “enhance political stability and policy continuity to allow development programmes to be implemented to completion.”

Additional provisions would allow the president to appoint 10 more senators, increasing the Senate to 90 seats — a move critics say would further consolidate executive influence.

On the streets, frustration is growing. “A president should not rule for a long time, and it is preferable to serve for a short term and give others a chance,” said Augustine Kaswaurere, reflecting widespread public concern.

Mnangagwa’s administration has faced criticism over a struggling economy marked by inflation, unemployment and allegations of corruption and cronyism. Hopes that his rise would usher in reform after Mugabe’s era have largely faded among opposition supporters.

The ruling party’s so-called “2030 agenda” has been in discussion for months, prompting vows from opposition groups to “defend the constitution against its capture.” Attempts to protest the proposed changes have been met with police crackdowns, with dozens reportedly arrested.

Zimbabwe’s opposition, however, remains fragmented and weakened after years of political repression, limiting its ability to mount sustained resistance.(Arise News)