Zimbabwe MPs pass bill extending president's term

Zimbabwe's lower house of parliament has passed legislation extending presidential terms from five to seven years, effectively deferring elections due in 2028 by two years and extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's time in power. The bill also proposes scrapping direct presidential elections entirely, sparking fierce backlash from opposition groups and civil society who call it a power grab. Supporters frame the move as governance reform, while critics argue it undermines democracy and entrenches Mnangagwa's rule. The bill now moves to the upper house and ultimately requires presidential signature to become law.