‘Constitutional coup’ claims as Zimbabwean senate approves extending presidential term

Opposition figures fear changes will further tighten 83-year-old President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s hold on power

Zimbabwe is on the brink of amending its constitution to give the president more time in office, a change the government said will bring stability – but which opponents have labelled a “constitutional coup”.

The upper house of Zimbabwe’s parliament voted on Wednesday 75-4 in favour of the constitutional amendments, which would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stay in office until 2030 by extending presidential terms from five to seven years.