Zimbabwe bill to scrap presidential elections sparks backlash
Zimbabwe's National Assembly has approved a bill replacing direct presidential elections with a vote by parliament, prompting fears of weakened democratic accountability and entrenched ruling party dominance.
Zimbabwean lawmakers in the National Assembly on Thursday passed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 with 216 votes in favor and 42 against. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it needs a two-thirds majority to become law.
The proposed amendment to the 2013 Constitution would replace the direct election of the president with a vote by a joint sitting of the Senate and National Assembly. Supporters, including lawmakers from the ruling ZANU-PF and some from the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), argue it would promote policy continuity and give President Emmerson Mnangagwa more time to complete his development agenda.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who sponsored the bill, told parliament on June 3 that it was not an abandonment of the constitutional order but a refinement based on practical experience. He denied that it would extend the president's term, take away voting rights, postpone elections, or concentrate power in the president's hands.
Critics, however, say the bill would consolidate Mnangagwa's influence and potentially allow him to remain in office beyond his constitutional term ending in 2028. Human rights defender Pride Mkono warned of a one-party state dominated by a cartel of individuals, as the opposition is fragmented. Obert Masaraure, president of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe, said the amendment would severely weaken democracy, enabling elites to loot resources without restraint.
The consultation process was marred by allegations of intimidation and violence. Activists and rights groups reported that suspected state security agents abducted and tortured several opponents. In Chiredzi, suspected ZANU-PF youths assaulted activist Gilbert Mutebuki. A Harare resident, Barnabas Gura, said he and others were denied a chance to speak against the bill.
A parliamentary committee report claimed that 99.4% of submissions during nationwide consultations supported the changes. But Rawlings Magede of Heal Zimbabwe Trust disputed this, saying most people do not support the bill and that reported backing reflects desperation for rewards.
ZANU-PF controls both houses of parliament, and its dominance grew after the 2023 elections when Senator Sengezo Tshabangu recalled several CCC lawmakers. Critics note that the party wanted an open vote by show of hands to prevent independent voting, calling it subtle intimidation.
Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, an ally of Mnangagwa, has been accused of trying to influence lawmakers with gifts. In April, he offered legislators $3.6 million to pass the bill but withdrew after public criticism. During debates, he gave vehicles and cash to MPs who spoke in support. A resident from Kambuzuma said such bribes made it impossible to trust lawmakers to elect a president.
More than 30 opposition MPs voted for the bill in Thursday's session. With the bill now in the Senate, opponents are turning to the courts. Several legal challenges have been filed, including lawsuits against supportive MPs and efforts to stop enactment without a referendum. However, many Zimbabweans lack confidence in the judiciary, which critics say lacks independence.
