Harare [Zimbabwe] /Dakar [Senegal], July 8: Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa will be allowed to remain in office for two years longer - until 2030 - following a constitutional amendment.
The law, which Parliament passed in June by 216 votes out of 258, was published on Tuesday in the country's official gazette after it was signed by the head of state.
The president's term of office is being extended from five to seven years.
Furthermore, the head of state will in future be elected by members of parliament rather than directly by the people.
The bill has caused considerable political tension in the former British colony, which has a population of around 16 million. Appeals by the opposition to the constitutional court were unsuccessful.
Mnangagwa, who is 83 years old, came to power in 2017 after the military ousted long-time ruler Robert Mugabe. His ruling party, ZANU-PF, holds a majority in parliament. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune
