Chaos Erupts at Zimbabwe Hearing on President Term Extension

A parliamentary process meant to legitimize constitutional change instead exposed escalating political tension, as violence disrupted a public hearing on extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule beyond 2028.

The hearing at a sports complex in Harare on Tuesday descended into disorder as critics attempted to protest what they described as intimidation. Human rights lawyer Doug Coltart was assaulted, leaving him bruised, with his phone taken and glasses broken.

Witnesses described supporters of the proposed amendments shoving and slapping Coltart as he exited.

The incident followed a pattern seen across hearings that began nationwide on Monday, where dissenting voices were drowned out or blocked from speaking.

The proposed amendments would allow Mnangagwa, 83, to remain in power for an additional 2 years beyond his current term, which expires in 2028. They would also extend presidential and parliamentary terms from 5 to 7 years and shift presidential elections from a popular vote to parliament.

These hearings are a mandatory procedural step before a parliamentary vote, although public input is not binding. Critics argue that such changes should instead require a national referendum.

Opposition figures say the consultation process has been marked by intimidation. Tendai Biti, a former finance minister, said critics were “drowned out by boos, heckling and intimidation” during multiple sessions.

Biti was released on bail last week after being detained over an unsanctioned meeting opposing the reforms.

Earlier this month, another opposition figure was hospitalized after a beating he attributed to police officers, an allegation authorities denied, stating the gathering had been banned.

Mnangagwa came to power in a 2017 military intervention that removed Robert Mugabe and later secured victories in disputed elections in 2018 and 2023. Both votes were criticized by international rights groups over alleged crackdowns on opposition.

While Mnangagwa has said he will step down in 2028, he has not opposed efforts by his ZANU-PF party to extend his tenure.

Authorities maintain the reforms are lawful, even as tensions rise around their implementation.