Zimbabwe's Senate has approved a constitutional amendment that would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure until 2030 while introducing major changes to the country's electoral system.
The bill passed the upper chamber on Wednesday with 75 senators voting in favor and four against, following its earlier approval in the National Assembly.
The legislation now awaits Mnangagwa's signature before it can become law.
The amendments would postpone the next presidential election from 2028 to 2030, extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five years to seven years, and replace direct presidential elections with a system in which parliament elects the country's leader.
The proposed amendments mark a significant overhaul of Zimbabwe's constitutional framework.
Mnangagwa's ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), which holds a strong parliamentary majority, has backed the changes after resolving last year to pursue longer presidential terms.
The proposal received cabinet approval in February before clearing the National Assembly last week by a vote of 216 to 42.
Supporters argue that parliament has the authority to enact the amendments because the constitutional two-term limit for presidents would remain unchanged, although each term would last longer.
With Senate approval secured, the legislation requires only the president's signature to take effect.
The amendments have intensified political tensions across Zimbabwe.
Critics, including opposition figures, activists and human rights lawyers, argue that extending presidential terms should require approval through a national referendum and contend the measures would further entrench ZANU-PF's control.
Several legal challenges seeking to halt or invalidate the amendment process remain before the courts.
Opponents have also reported arrests, detention, harassment, intimidation and violence during efforts to mobilize against the proposed changes.
In March, Human Rights Watch said, "Over the last few months, the police and unidentified armed men have threatened, harassed, and beat up several people who are opposed to the proposed constitutional amendment."
Mnangagwa has led Zimbabwe since 2017, when the military-backed removal of longtime leader Robert Mugabe brought him to power.
Although he had previously stated he would step down when his second term ends in 2028, his party has continued to support the constitutional amendments.