Zimbabwe MPs pass bill to extend President Mnangagwa's time in power

Zimbabwe's parliament passed a constitutional amendment bill allowing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his second term by two years to 2030. The vote was 220 in favour and 78 against; the bill still requires Senate approval and judicial review by the Supreme Court before becoming law. ZANU-PF Secretary-General Christopher Mutsvangwa said the amendment was "necessary for continuity in the country's development plans".

Opposition CCC leader Nelson Chamisa described the bill as "a breach of constitutional term limits" and said his party would take it to the Supreme Court. Southern African Development Community (SADC) spokesman Elias Mpedi Magosi said the bloc was "watching the situation closely". Civil-society groups held a protest in Harare attended by 1,200 people.

Financial markets reacted nervously. The Zimbabwean dollar fell 1.2% against the US dollar after the announcement. The Zimbabwe Stock Exchange main index, closely watched by foreign investors, closed 0.9% lower on the day. Standard Bank Africa analyst Phumelele Mbiyo said: "The court process could prolong uncertainty; a higher risk premium can be expected in the short term."