Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
CABINET has approved a Constitutional Amendment Bill seeking to extend the terms of office for the President and Parliament from five to seven years, a move Government says is aimed at enhancing political and economic stability.
The Bill was tabled by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, during the first Cabinet meeting of 2026 held in Harare this Tuesday.
Addressing a Post-Cabinet media briefing, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the proposed amendments would fundamentally alter both the presidential election process and the length of terms of office.
“Clause 2 repeals section 92 of the Constitution and substitutes it with a parliamentary process for electing the President,” Dr Muswere said.
He explained that under the proposed framework, a presidential candidate would be required to secure a majority vote in Parliament, with provisions for a run-off if no candidate achieves an absolute majority.
“The process is overseen by the Chief Justice or a designated judge to ensure it is conducted properly,” he said, adding that the procedure would be carried out in line with the Standing Rules and Orders of Parliament.
Dr Muswere said the Bill also amends sections 95, 143 and 158 of the Constitution to replace the current five-year term for both the President and Parliament with a seven-year term.
“The objective of this reform is to reduce election-related disruptions, enhance policy continuity, allow sufficient time for the implementation of long-term national projects, and promote political and economic stability,” he said.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi outlined the legislative steps that will follow Cabinet approval, saying the Bill will now be transmitted to Parliament for gazetting.
“The Constitution says all our Bills are sent to the Speaker for gazetting,” he said. “For an ordinary Bill, it takes 21 days, and with a constitutional Bill, it takes 90 days.”
He added that public consultations would begin after gazetting, in line with constitutional requirements.
“After gazetting, that is when you will take it to the public and can invite anyone to talk about the Bill since it will be public. The timeframe depends on the parliamentary calendar,” Ziyambi said.
*Youth Day, Independence celebrations*
Cabinet also received updates on preparations for national events, including the 2026 National Youth Day and Independence Day celebrations.
Dr Muswere said the 2026 National Youth Day celebrations will be held on 21 February at Igava Training Centre in Marondera District, Mashonaland East Province, under the theme “Youth Agenda for Transformation”.
He said a new vocational and youth centre to be established at Igava will be named after President Emmerson Mnangagwa and will focus on skills development, entrepreneurship and innovation, supported through public-private partnerships.
“A total of 30 000 youths from all provinces will be mobilised to participate,” he said.
Cabinet also approved plans for the 46th Independence Day celebrations and the 2026 Children’s Party to be held at Maphisa Growth Point in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province, under the theme “Zim@46, Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030”.
The Children’s Party will take place at Mahetshe Primary School, while the Independence Gala will be hosted at Minda Primary School.
Dr Muswere said hosting the celebrations in Matobo aligns with the rotational principle of “Leaving No One and No Place Behind” and honours the legacy of the late Vice-President Joshua Nkomo.
Minister of Youth Development, Empowerment and Vocational Training, Honourable Tino Machakaire, said preparations for National Youth Day were at an advanced stage.
“We are focusing on skills among young people as a way of creating entrepreneurs, and we are at 80 percent in terms of making sure the event is a success,” he said.
Cabinet also deliberated on the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the summer cropping season.
