Zimbabwe Passes Controversial Law: Presidential Term Extended Without Direct Elections
Zimbabwean parliament has passed legislation allowing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his term by an additional two years and abolishing direct presidential elections. This constitutional amendment, ratified on 20 April 2024, has triggered widespread concern among democracy experts, human rights organizations, and regional governments. It occurs against a backdrop of deepening economic crisis — with inflation reaching **135% in March 2024**, over half the population living below the poverty line, and public trust in democratic institutions at its lowest since independence in 1980. The move not only challenges principles of good governance but also risks undermining political stability across Southern Africa.
