00:00Zimbabwe's cabinet has backed draft legislation that could extend presidential terms from
00:06five to seven years, a move that would allow President Emerson Malingangwa to remain in
00:11power until 2030.
00:14The proposed changes go further.
00:16Under the draft bill, the president would no longer be elected by popular vote, but
00:20instead chosen by parliament.
00:23Justice Minister says the bill will now be published and sent to parliament for debate.
00:28Malingangwa, who is 83, is currently expected to step down in 2028 after completing two terms.
00:35His possible extension has already fueled a succession battle within the ruling ZANU-PF
00:40party.
00:41He came to power after a military coup in 2017 that ousted long-time leader Robert Mugabe,
00:47and opposition figures are condemning what they see as an attempt to entrench power.
00:53Opposition leader Jameson Timber has condemned the move as politically destabilizing.
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