Tinotenda Hove – The Action Democratic Movement (ADM) has called for transparency and national consensus as Parliament considers the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026, warning that changes to executive tenure, electoral systems, and institutional independence must not compromise democratic credibility.

In a statement addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, portfolio committees, ZEC, ZGC, the National Council of Chiefs, civil society and citizens, ADM president Alice Nyamande said constitutional bodies must remain independent to prevent instability.

“Their independence must remain inviolable, as history has shown that when constitutional bodies are compromised, nations descend into instability,” Nyamande said. She cited Kenya in the 1980s, noting “the erosion of judicial independence in Kenya during the 1980s led to widespread distrust in governance, only reversed decades later through constitutional reform. Zimbabwe must avoid such regression.”

On public consultations, ADM said legitimacy depends on credibility, not just numbers. “Legitimacy in constitutional reform derives not merely from numbers, but from credibility and transparency,” Nyamande stated. She pointed to South Africa’s 1996 process: “In South Africa’s 1996 constitutional process, legitimacy was secured through open civic participation, resulting in one of the most respected constitutions globally. Zimbabwe must emulate such openness to ensure reforms are genuinely representative.”

ADM argued that foundational amendments require a referendum. “Amendments affecting executive tenure, electoral systems, or institutional independence must meet the highest standards of democratic legitimacy,” the statement read. “Historical precedent is clear: Ghana’s 1992 referendum on constitutional reform secured overwhelming public endorsement, anchoring legitimacy and stability. Zimbabwe must follow similar democratic pathways to safeguard trust in the supreme law.”

The party also urged restraint from State institutions. Nyamande referenced August 1, 2018: “ADM calls upon all arms of the State, including security institutions, to remain strictly within their constitutional mandate. The tragic events of August 1, 2018, when citizens exercising peaceful protest were met with violence, remain a stark reminder of the dangers of overreach. Such occurrences must never be repeated.”

ADM concluded that the Constitution “is the supreme law of the land. No reform process may dilute its foundational principles of accountability, transparency, and popular sovereignty.” The party demanded “a transparent and inclusive national process,” “safeguards against coercion, distortion, or procedural compromise,” and “fidelity to constitutional principles as the anchor of Zimbabwe’s democratic future.”

“Power resides in the people. The Constitution must remain their shield, not a tool of convenience,” Nyamande said.