President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe is reportedly moving to consolidate his power by seeking legislative changes that could eliminate direct elections for the presidency. The proposed changes would allow members of Parliament to elect the president, shifting the term length to two consecutive seven-year terms rather than the current five-year arrangement. This initiative arises from a cabinet approval of draft legislation, raising concerns that Mnangagwa may be imitating the authoritarian regime of his predecessor, Robert Mugabe, who held power for nearly four decades.

As part of this legislative move, Zimbabwe's government aims to conduct public consultations ahead of presenting the bill to Parliament. With Zanu-PF, the ruling party, holding a dominant majority, the likelihood of the bill passing increases, further securing Mnangagwa's continuance in power past his expected departure in 2028. The implications of such a change signal a concerning trend towards authoritarianism, reminiscent of the political environment under Mugabe, and may provoke international scrutiny and internal dissent.

This development comes at a critical juncture for Zimbabwe, which has faced numerous political and economic challenges. As Mnangagwa approaches the twilight years of his political career, the potential for extended rule raises grave apprehensions among opposition parties and civil society groups. Critics argue that curtailing the electoral process is detrimental to democracy and undermines the principle of self-governance, which could lead to increased political unrest as citizens react to the perceived erosion of their democratic rights.