Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Member of Parliament for Mbizo Constituency, Corban Madzivanyika, has urged Zimbabweans to reject Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3 of 2026, warning it undermines democracy and erodes citizens’ rights.
The proposed Bill would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term by two years to 2030 and shift the power to elect future presidents from the people to Parliament, a move critics say concentrates power in the hands of a few.
Posting on his socials, Madzivanyika described the legislation as a self-serving plan benefiting “criminals around President Mnangagwa,” rather than the ordinary citizen. He said:
“I strongly condemn the proposed Bill, which threatens to undermine Zimbabwe’s democracy and entrench authoritarian rule. The amendments are a blatant attempt by President Mnangagwa to extend his grip on power, disregarding the will of the people and the country’s constitutional integrity.”
The CCC MP called on citizens to speak out during public consultations, emphasising that opposition to the amendment spans political parties, civil society, and war veterans:
“They recognise that these amendments prioritise political survival over the needs of the people, threatening economic reform and social justice.”
Madzivanyika particularly criticised the idea of Parliament electing the President, calling it “a serious blow to Zimbabweans’ right to choose their leader.”
He warned that extending presidential terms from five to seven years could set a dangerous precedent for indefinite delays in elections:
“As a Parliamentarian, I got the current mandate from the people. But to then say, I can extend my life in Parliament for a further two years without the same mandate I got in 2023 is just outrageous, irrational and egocentric!”
Political analysts echo Madzivanyika’s concerns, arguing that such amendments risk concentrating power, weakening accountability, and undermining citizen sovereignty. They also warn of potential ripple effects on governance, economic reform, and social justice if checks and balances are bypassed.
The Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3 is currently under public consultation, with Zimbabweans nationwide invited to provide feedback. Opposition groups are urging citizens to make their voices heard to protect the democratic principle of direct elections.
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has already signalled that there won’t be any referendum insisting that extending Zimbabwe’s election cycle from five to seven years does not alter presidential term limits, which remain at two terms.
Leave a Reply