THE Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) has condemned the proposed constitutional amendment seeking to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure, citing a gross violation of citizens’ aspirations and constitutional and moral concerns
The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill seeks to reshape the political landscape by extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years, and also the abolishment of direct popular elections.
In a statement, ZHOCD urged Mnangagwa to resist any attempts to amend the constitution for his “selfish ends”.
“The proposed constitutional amendments raise serious moral and constitutional concerns as they fundamentally alter the 2013 aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe, and raise serious constitutional and moral concerns, particularly without going back to the people in a referendum,” the statement reads.
“To His Excellency, the President; do not be swayed by those persuading you with these deeply concerning constitutional amendments fundamentally changing our people driven 2013 Constitution.
“We make this fervent call to resist any temptation to amend the Constitution for selfish ends, instead align with the national development agenda (NDS2) and Vision 2030 by entrenching constitutionalism and constitutional democracy in the country.”
ZHOCD said it mobilised congregations nationwide to participate in Constitution Parliamentary Committee (COPAC) outreach and stakeholder forums, ensuring community voices informed the draft.
“Our nation continues to face deep and painful challenges: we have not fully benefited from our God‑given mineral wealth; corruption remains entrenched in many institutions; public social services, health, education, and essential infrastructure, continue to collapse or underperform; and poverty and inequality are increasing, leaving many households in despair.
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“Building on this groundwork, we mobilised congregations nationwide to participate in COPAC outreach and stakeholder forums so that community voices informed the draft.
“These efforts are reflected in the 2013 Constitution’s affirmation of diverse religious values, robust freedom of conscience, and a Preamble that acknowledges the supremacy of Almighty God.”
ZHOCD said it is continuing its engagement with Mnangagwa, with efforts to curb the amendment of the Constitution.
“As ZHOCD, we will continue to engage His Excellency and all stakeholders in a spirit of dialogue and national healing,” the statement read.
“We commit to strategic, non‑partisan engagement across churches, civil society, traditional leaders, business, youth, and all citizens to ensure Zimbabwe does not regress, but advances toward the entrenchment of constitutional democracy for sustainable development and national transformation as aspired in NDS2 and Vision 2030.
“We have since launched a National Dialogue and Engagement document towards the Zimbabwe We Want, a document we believe can guide the nation towards a comprehensive National Dialogue Process to resolve the challenges we face as a nation.”
