CIVIC society organisations have petitioned Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda to halt the progression of the Constitutional Amendment (No 3) Bill in its current form, demanding a broader, inclusive and transparent national dialogue before it proceeds any further.
The petition escalates mounting resistance to proposed constitutional changes that critics say could weaken the right to vote, alter presidential term limits and reshape key democratic institutions ahead of the 2030 elections.
The amendment Bill was gazetted on February 16 and has since triggered fierce debate across the political divide.
In its petition, the Zimbabwe Constitutional Movement (Zicomo) urged Mudenda, as the “custodian of the people’s will”, to ensure strict adherence to section 328 of the Constitution, which requires a national referendum for any amendment affecting fundamental rights or presidential term limits. The group also called for the alignment of existing laws to the 2013 Constitution instead of amending the supreme law to suit what it described as political expediency.
Zicomo — which represents civil society groups including war veterans, women, youth, farmers, labour, churches, students, the informal sector, business and human rights activists — said the 2013 Constitution was the product of an exhaustive, people-driven process endorsed by more than 94% of voters in the March 16, 2013, referendum. The petition comes at a time when the ruling Zanu PF is reportedly gripped by a bitter succession battle, with allies of President Emmerson Mnangagwa pushing for constitutional changes that critics say could extend his stay in office by two years beyond 2028.
“This national consensus was achieved through broad, cross-party agreement, reflecting a shared commitment to Zimbabwe’s future across the political spectrum,” Zicomo said.
“Maintaining this consensus is critical, as it underpins the country’s stability, unity and democratic development. Any deviation from these foundational agreements risks undermining the principles that support a free, united and prosperous Zimbabwe, and could threaten the progress made towards inclusive governance and national cohesion.”
The organisation argued that Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle was anchored on two core demands: equitable land redistribution and the principle of one-person-one-vote to guarantee universal suffrage and equal political participation.
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“These demands were central to the fight for independence and remain foundational to Zimbabwe’s pursuit of social justice and democratic governance,” it said.
Zicomo cited the Mgagao Declaration of October 1975, describing it as a defining moment of the liberation era whose principles remain relevant today. The declaration, signed in Tanzania by Zimbabwean liberation fighters, rejected any moves that undermined majority rule and the right to vote.
Quoting from the declaration, the group noted its condemnation of “various schemes” aimed at depriving Zimbabweans of independence based on majority rule and universal suffrage.
The civic groups reminded Mudenda that at his inauguration on September 8, 2023, he swore to uphold the Constitution and discharge his duties with integrity and dedication.
“This solemn commitment is not only a legal requirement, but also a moral pledge to serve all Zimbabweans impartially,” Zicomo said.
“Through this letter, Mr Speaker, we urge you to prioritise the broader national interest above party or factional considerations when making decisions that affect the governance and future of Zimbabwe.
“Such an approach will help to foster unity, strengthen democratic institutions and promote sustainable development for all citizens.”
The organisation warned that the proposed amendments risk eroding democratic protections, undermining the independence of the Judiciary and electoral processes, and setting a troubling precedent for future constitutional changes.
However, Mudenda — who is also secretary-general of Zanu PF — last week participated in the party’s nationwide outreach programme in Mutare, Manicaland province, where he urged party structures to mobilise support for the Bill.
“We have to fight a new war now,” Mudenda told the meeting.
“The new war is the Constitutional Amendment No 3 Bill. The party should be seen convincing Zimbabweans that this is a sound Constitutional Amendment Bill and be clear to them.”
