Section 91: Qualifications for election as President and Vice-President
Constitution of Zimbabwe
(1) A person qualifies for election as President or appointment as Vice-President if he or she—
(a) is a Zimbabwean citizen by birth or descent;
(b) has attained the age of forty years;
(c) is ordinarily resident in Zimbabwe; and
(d) is registered as a voter.
[Subsection amended by s. 3 of Act No. 2 of 2021]
(2) A person is disqualified for election as President or appointment as Vice-President if he or she has already held office as President under this Constitution for two terms, whether continuous or not, and for the purpose of this subsection three or more years’ service is deemed to be a full term.
[Subsection amended by s. 3 of Act No. 2 of 2021]
Insight: This section establishes both minimum requirements and term limits for Zimbabwe's highest offices. The 40-year age requirement is notably higher than many democracies, suggesting a preference for experienced leadership. The two-term limit (with three years counting as a full term) creates a balance between leadership continuity and preventing entrenchment of power, a significant protection in a region where some leaders have remained in office for decades.