Tinotenda Hove- ZANU-PF legislator for Seke Constituency, Munyaradzi Kashambe, has stirred controversy after openly backing calls to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office, while suggesting that many Members of Parliament are also eager to see their own terms prolonged.

Speaking during discussions around the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB 3), Kashambe claimed that lawmakers from across the political divide have privately expressed support for extending their stay in office.

“Tese tirimuno tinogarotaura, hapana asiri kuda kupedzisa mabasa ake muma constituency,” said Kashambe, implying that legislators are keen to remain in Parliament beyond their current mandate.

His remarks are likely to fuel criticism from opponents who argue that the proposed changes are driven more by political self-preservation than by the interests of ordinary Zimbabweans. Critics have repeatedly warned that extending elected officials’ terms without fresh elections could undermine democratic principles and weaken public accountability.

The comments come as debate over CAB 3 intensifies, with growing concerns from civil society groups and opposition figures who fear the amendments could concentrate power and erode constitutional safeguards.

Kashambe’s admission that MPs stand to benefit from a presidential term extension is expected to add further scrutiny to the controversial proposals, with detractors accusing politicians of prioritising their own political survival over the will of voters.