HARARE, Mar. 31 (NewsDay Live) — Tensions are rising in Zimbabwe amid threats by civic groups and opposition leaders to mobilise street protests over what they describe as a stage-managed public hearing process on the Constitutional Amendment Bill.
Critics allege the outreach meetings have been dominated by Zanu PF supporters, with Parliament accused of sidelining dissenting voices.
Opposition figures, led by Jameson Timba, held a virtual meeting on Tuesday and resolved to disengage from the hearings. An official announcement is expected shortly.
At the centre of the dispute are claims that Parliament is advancing a ruling party agenda by allowing predominantly pro-Bill contributions, while critics cite heavy-handed policing against those opposed to the proposal.
The Bill seeks to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office by two years.
In Patchway, near Kadoma, attendees were reportedly vetted, with access restricted to individuals perceived to support the Bill at an open-air hearing.
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Job Sikhala, representing the Defend the Constitution Platform, said opposition groups would withdraw from the process and pursue alternative avenues.
“This process is farcical and does not allow diverse views. We have resolved to disengage and address the matter politically. Our official position will be announced soon,” he said.
Opposition leaders, including Timba, Lovemore Madhuku, Tendai Biti and Munyaradzi Gwisai, are expected to attend hearings at Harare City Sports Centre this afternoon to test whether they will be granted an opportunity to speak, following similar incidents in Bulawayo.
In Bulawayo, Mayor David Coltart and former Citizens Coalition for Change spokesperson Ostallos Siziba were not recognised to speak during proceedings.
Separately, the playing of Zanu PF campaign jingles ahead of hearings in Chitungwiza has further angered civic groups, who say the process is designed to legitimise what they term a “constitutional coup”.
Public hearings on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 drew large crowds in Bulawayo on Monday, amid claims some attendees were transported from as far as Gokwe, more than 300 kilometres away.
The proposed amendments would extend elected terms from five to seven years, replace direct presidential elections with a parliamentary vote, expand the Senate through presidential appointments, and abolish the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
Government officials say the reforms are intended to improve stability and governance efficiency while maintaining existing term limits.
However, critics, including Coltart — who attended the Bulawayo hearing and repeatedly attempted to speak without being recognised — have condemned the process as “farcical” and warned it could concentrate excessive power in the presidency.