Zimbabwe: New constitution that curbs presidential powers, imposes term limits becomes law

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe (pictured), signed a new constitution into law on Wednesday, replacing a 33-year-old document forged in the dying days of British colonial rule and paving the way for fresh elections later this year.

The constitution, approved overwhelmingly in a referendum in March, clips the powers of the president and imposes a two-term limit.

Mugabe, flanked by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, his main political rival, and deputy president Joyce Mujuru, signed multiple copies of the charter at State House in the country’s capital, Harare.

Aides and other politicians present at the signing broke into applause the moment the veteran leader put down his pen.

The constitution was formed as part of a power-sharing deal between Mugabe and Tsvangirai after the disputed elections of 2008.

The five-year coalition parliament formed under the same agreement expires on June 29, and parliamentary and presidential elections should follow within 90 days of that date.

Source: Reuters