Parliament began nationwide public hearings on a Constitution Amendment Bill put forward by the ruling ZANU‑PF, drawing large turnouts and sharp divisions. The package of changes — most notably longer terms for elected officials and a new method for choosing the president — has won support in some communities and fierce criticism in others.
At a rural hearing in Chitungwiza, about 25 km from Harare, many speakers backed the bill. Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe’s third‑largest urban centre and historically an opposition stronghold, has seen recent inroads by ZANU‑PF. Medical doctor Shylock Muyengwa told the meeting the amendment would bring stability and cut state expenditure, saying the proposals had been drawn up “with a budget in mind.” He argued that moving certain electoral functions could save roughly $15 million and that a seven‑year transition might reduce costs by about 36%, or around $20 million a year.
Under the 2013 Constitution, presidents and members of parliament serve five‑year terms and the president is elected directly by voters. The amendment would extend terms to seven years, effectively moving the next election from 2028 to 2030, and would change the presidential selection process so the president is chosen by a parliamentary vote rather than by direct national polls. If enacted, the changes would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain beyond what is now his final term in 2028.
The bill would also reassign responsibilities currently held by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, returning tasks such as voter registration to the Registrar‑General. Supporters say these shifts could streamline administration and reduce costs. Critics counter that the reforms risk entrenching one‑party dominance and undermining democratic accountability.
Opponents at the hearings demanded a referendum, pointing out that the current constitution was approved by one. “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 was met with boos from some attendees.
Many participants and observers also expressed concern about how the hearings were being run. Some opposition supporters walked out of venues, saying their views were being ignored, and civic groups faulted the compressed, four‑day national schedule — from March 30 to April 2 — as too short to allow meaningful participation. The opposition and civil society organisations have vowed to do everything possible to block the bill.
Amnesty International called on the government to safeguard freedom of expression and peaceful assembly during the hearings. Vongai Chikwanda, Amnesty’s deputy regional director for East and Southern Africa, cited Article 61 of Zimbabwe’s constitution and warned that restrictions on public debate could stifle genuine participation, accountability and rule of law. Recent reports 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.
After the public hearings conclude, parliamentary committees will compile submissions before the amendment is debated in the National Assembly, where ZANU‑PF holds a two‑thirds majority and is widely expected to endorse the changes.