Zimbabwe’s Parliament’s lower house has passed a bill that would extend presidential terms from five to seven years. The legislation, backed by the ruling Zanu-PF party, still requires approval from the Senate, where the party also holds a majority. If enacted, the amendment would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030 without facing another election. His current second term is officially scheduled to end in 2028. Critics suggest the move is designed to consolidate Mnangagwa’s power and circumvent democratic processes. The bill’s passage raises concerns about the future of political competition and democratic governance in Zimbabwe. The Zanu-PF party maintains the changes are intended to align presidential and parliamentary election cycles.