Hundreds turned out as parliament began nationwide public hearings on a Constitution Amendment Bill drafted by the ruling ZANU‑PF. The proposed changes — including extending presidential and parliamentary terms and altering how presidents are elected — have drawn both support and sharp criticism.
At a rural hearing in Chitungwiza, about 25 km from Harare, most speakers backed the bill. Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe’s third-largest urban center after Harare and Bulawayo, has historically voted for the opposition, although ZANU‑PF has made gains recently.
Medical doctor Shylock Muyengwa told the gathering the bill would bring stability and save the state money. “The bill has been crafted with a budget in mind,” he said, arguing that moving some electoral functions would save about $15 million and that a seven‑year transition could reduce costs by up to 36%, roughly $20 million a year.
Key proposals would change the term length and method of electing the presidency. Under the 2013 Constitution, presidents and parliament serve five‑year terms and presidents are elected directly by voters. The amendment would extend terms to seven years — delaying the next election from 2028 to 2030 — and introduce a process where a parliamentary election would choose the president rather than direct national voting. If enacted, the changes would permit President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond what is currently his final term ending in 2028.
The bill would also reassign some responsibilities of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, returning certain powers such as voter registration to the Registrar‑General. Supporters say the reforms could streamline costs and administration; critics warn they would entrench one‑party dominance and weaken democratic accountability.
Opponents at the hearings called for a referendum, noting the current constitution was approved that way. “I do not have a problem with amendments to the constitution if it is done properly,” Rutendo Muzirwa told DW. “The current constitution came through a referendum, so why can’t you go through the referendum, if there is no rigging? Let’s go for the referendum.” Her call for a public vote drew boos from some in the crowd.
Many attendees and observers raised concerns about the hearing process itself. Opponents began leaving some venues, saying Parliament was ignoring their contributions. Nationally, critics have faulted the compressed four‑day hearing schedule — running from March 30 to April 2 — as limiting meaningful participation. The opposition and civic organizations have vowed to do everything possible to stop the bill from passing.
Amnesty International urged the government to guarantee freedom of expression and peaceful assembly during the hearings. Vongai Chikwanda, Amnesty’s deputy regional director for East and Southern Africa, quoted Article 61 of Zimbabwe’s constitution and warned that restrictions on public debate could shut down genuine participation, accountability and the rule of law. Reports in recent weeks of arrests and alleged assaults on critics — including constitutional lawyer Lovemore Madhuku and opposition figure Tendai Biti — have heightened concerns about a shrinking civic space.
Once the public hearings end, parliamentary committees will compile submissions before the bill is debated in the National Assembly, where ZANU‑PF holds a two‑thirds majority and is likely to endorse the amendment.
Edited by: Chrispin Mwakideu