By Advent Shoko
More than 60 Members of Parliament from the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) attended a parliamentary caucus meeting chaired by Senator Sengezo Tshabangu, where the lawmakers proposed the formation of a Government of National Consensus as part of their response to the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the party’s Chief Whip, Hon Charles Moyo, 63 MPs attended physically, seven sent apologies, bringing total participation to 70 legislators at the Harare meeting held on 12 February 2026.
The meeting follows a Cabinet resolution led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to initiate far-reaching constitutional amendments that seek to alter the life of Parliament, the term of office of the Head of State, and the management of elections.
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Support Constitutional Amendment Bill 2026 “In Principle”
In its adopted resolutions, the CCC parliamentary caucus said that while it is still waiting for the final text of the Bill, it supports the spirit and intent of the proposed changes in principle.
The caucus said the amendments could help build national consensus, heal past divisions, and create a foundation for long-term political and economic stability.
Lawmakers also described the proposed electoral reforms as “a welcome step in the right direction,” saying they address recurring institutional and legitimacy concerns that have affected Zimbabwe’s electoral democracy.
Proposal for a Government of National Consensus
In a significant political move, the caucus proposed that the transitional phase arising from the amendments be reinforced through the formation of a Government of National Consensus.
The proposed Government of National Consensus, according to the resolutions, should deliberately include key sectors of society such as the church, youth groups, business, and women’s organisations, with a clear mandate to unite the country and foster a stronger sense of nationhood.
The caucus argued that a Government of National Consensus would help manage the political transition in a manner that promotes inclusivity and stability, particularly given the sensitive nature of changes to presidential terms and parliamentary tenure. Zimbabwe had such an arrangement between 2009 and 2013 following the disputed 2008 harmonised elections. The Government of National Unity (GNU) which included ZANU PF and the two Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) factions led by Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara succeeded in stabilising the economy and political tensions.
Constituency Consultations Ordered
All CCC MPs have been instructed to return to their constituencies and, working with councillors and senators, convene ward meetings to explain Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 of 2026.
They are expected to gather “free and voluntary opinions” from citizens and submit written reports to the Interim Secretary General’s office by 1 March 2026. Members were urged to exercise discipline, patience, and tolerance for divergent views while fostering national unity.
Charlton Hwende who was also in attendance said:
Wednesday mornings are reserved for political parties in Parliament to meet and work on their parliamentary agenda for the week. Following the recent recess, Parliament only resumed sitting this Monday. Today, I attended the opposition caucus at Parliament together with fellow Members of Parliament. Before I excused myself to attend to other pressing matters, the MPs present agreed that we will wait for the Bill to be Gazetted so that we can study it thoroughly, consult the citizens who elected us, and then communicate the way forward to the nation.
Speaking after the meeting, Tshabangu said:
“We held a successful caucus meeting with MPs from our side and reached a consensus, which will be communicated in due course. However, in my personal capacity, I support some of the amendments in the Bill, as they allow for the smooth implementation of our development agenda.”
Political Undercurrents
Since 2023, when Tshabangu declared himself Interim Secretary General of the CCC, he has faced accusations from some opposition figures of advancing a ZANU PF agenda from within the party, allegations that have deepened divisions within the movement.
His stated support for certain amendments in the Bill is likely to attract further scrutiny, especially from critics who question the broader political implications of the proposed constitutional changes.
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